The role of private drug vendors as malaria treatment providers in selected malaria endemic areas of Sri Lanka

Background & objectives: The involvement of private drug vendors in malaria treatment is particularly high in developing countries and understanding their practices and knowledge about antimalarials and malaria treatment will aid in devising strategies to increase the correct use of antimalarials and improve adherence to the government’s malaria drug policy. Results of a study on the knowledge and practices of the private drug vendors conducted in seven districts in Sri Lanka, mostly in malarious areas are presented. Methods: Data on awareness of government’s malaria drug policy, practice of issuing antimalarials, knowledge about malaria and antimalarial drugs were collected from the drug vendors using pre-tested questionnaire in vernacular language. Data were statistically analysed using Stata 8.2. Chi-square test was carried out for individual explanatory variables and a logistic regression model was applied taking all response variables as binary outcome. Results: Vendors ’ knowledge on antimalarials was poor with 58 % of the vendors being unaware of the government malaria drug policy in the country. Also, the advice provided to customers buying antimalarials was limited. However, the majority of the private vendors emphasised that they wer