Table 1 Definitions of terms used in the study
From: Self-reported use of anti-malarial drugs and health facility management of malaria in Ghana
Clinical diagnosis | Diagnosis based on clinical assessment of the patient by a medical practitioner |
Laboratory diagnosis | Diagnosis based on the presence of plasmodia parasites in the blood film of patients. |
Correct dosage | Standard dosage of the anti-malaria drug recommended for complete treatment of the disease, based on mg/kg body weight or that recommended in the STGs* |
Wrong or inappropriate use | Wrong dosage, wrong frequency and/or wrong duration of therapy |
Uncomplicated malaria | Mild to moderate malaria without complications |
Moderate to severe malaria | Malaria with symptoms leading to the patient being detained or admitted but without complications |
Severe malaria | Malaria with complications and evidence of high parasitaemia |
Clinical cure | Rapid resolution of signs and symptoms of malaria associated with improved well being of the patients |
Treatment failure | Worsening of fever and other symptoms or death after initiation of therapy |