This descriptive and exploratory study proposed to describe the user adherence and their reactions to anti-malaria treatment in a municipality in the western region of Brazil. Data was collected through interviewing 16 users and analyzed using Content Analysis. The study revealed that there are people who adhere partially to anti-malaria treatment and others who seek alternative treatments. The results showed that upon the first signs and symptoms starting, most users sought health care services for diagnosis and treatment, probably from knowledge about the disease, transmission, and treatment. Justifications given for such decision were for the ease of access the public health service, which offers free diagnosis and treatment, and the good rapport with the health care workers. It was concluded that although some government actions to control malaria have seen success there is still need for investment in health education actions and health surveillance.
Health behavior; Patient compliance; Health education; Malaria