Impact of an Intervention to Minimize Overdiagnosis of Malaria Cases in a Low Risk Kenyan sub-County

Abstract

Introduction: Overdiagnosis of malaria cases hampers malaria control in developing countries. Due to lack of diagnostics, febrile cases are treated using signs and symptoms. We evaluated an intervention to minimize overdiagnosis in Ijara sub-County, Kenya.

Methods: Health workers were trained on case management and rapid diagnostic tests provided in late 2011. Malaria outpatient morbidity was assessed a year before and after the intervention coupled with data on rapid diagnostic tests consumption.

Results: The number of diagnosed malaria cases decreased from 15,615 in 2011 to 1,892 in 2012. This represents an 87.8% decrease. There was a significant difference in number of diagnosed monthly malaria cases during the pre-intervention (Mean = 1,299, SD = 550.4) and post-intervention periods (Mean = 158, SD = 160.9, t (12.9) = 6.9, p =.000, two tailed). Mean monthly consumption of rapid diagnostic tests was 730, with 5.2% testing positive.

Conclusion: This intervention reduced overdiagnosis and overtreatment of malaria cases.