Taking stocks of antimalarial activities: A study on knowledge and skill of health personnel at primary care setting in the state of West Bengal, India

摘要

Background: Early diagnosis and effective treatment are the key areas in malaria control in India. Objective: The present study was carried outto assess the knowledge and skill of health personnel at primary care level and the logistic support related to the program at subcenter (SC) level.Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among medical and paramedical personnel working at primary health-careinstitutions in two districts of West Bengal. Knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire while diagnostic skill and logistic supportwere assessed with structured checklists. Clinical skill was assessed with case vignettes. Results: Requisite knowledge on diagnostic procedurewas found in two-third to three-fourth of health personnel while only 26.7% and 12.4%, respectively, knew the correct treatment of Plasmodiumvivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Median standardized score for knowledge was 50.0 while the scores for skill of preparing bloodslide and for rapid diagnostic test were 70.0 and 57.1, respectively. Education and work experience were related to diagnostic skill but had littleeffect on knowledge. In clinical skill, medical personnel scored 50% or more in investigation and treatment aspects only. In another case vignette,health workers excelled over medical officers and other staff in all axes other than history taking and clinical examination although their performancewas also suboptimal. Formal training on malaria did not show any bearing on median knowledge and skill score. Supply of diagnostics and drugswas insufficient in majority of SCs. Conclusion: Renewed efforts are needed to create competent workforce and ensure adequate logistic supply.