The determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment among malaria patients in Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

© 2019 Than et al. Background: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the determining factors for delayed diagnosis and treatment among malaria patients in Myanmar. Methods: The sample comprised 220 respondents diagnosed with malaria last year, living in the upper, middle, and lower part of Myanmar. In 2017, data were collected through interviews and analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and the chi-square test. Results: The results affirmed that most of the respondents were in the working age group and of low educational level. They also had poor knowledge and perception of malaria, and more than half of the respondents visited health centers or volunteered for their first treatment of choice. Most respondents received little social support for malaria. There were significant associations between age, sex, education, marital status, occupation, and delayed diagnosis and treatment (p < 0.05). Knowledge and perceptions of malaria, health-seeking behavior, and low social support on malaria services were also significantly associated with delayed malaria diagnosis and treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings, appropriate strengthening of cooperation and collaborations among different sectors upon diagnosis, coverage of treatment services, interventions to increase community awareness, effective communication, behavioral changes, and improved capability of the village health volunteers are evidently needed.