Assessment of compliance with malaria treatment monitoring and cure verification activities^*

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To assess compliance with treatment monitoring and cure verification activities by Malaria Control Program professionals.

Method:

This is an evaluation research carried out through systematic observation, with the aid of a Likert-type scale form, adopting a numerical score to assess the fulfillment of activities. Data collection was carried out in the Amazonian municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul in Acre State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Fifteen endemic disease control agents, five nurses and five microscopists were observed in the performance of their functions in the program. Treatment monitoring and cure verification activities obtained the respective total compliance percentages of 72.0% and 12.1%. Microscopists, assessed in 9 activities, obtained a higher percentage of compliance with activities, while nurses and endemic disease control agents had a partial compliance rate or did not perform certain activities.

Conclusion:

Malaria Control Program performs below the recommended level, not meeting the established gold standard, which may mean maintaining or increasing malaria cases.

DESCRIPTORS
Malaria; Treatment Outcome; Public Health Nursing; Public Health Surveillance