Motifs, risk factors and consequences of delay in consultation in subjects with uncomplicated malaria in Bembereke (Benin) in 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Benin. Among the factors favoring death is the delay in treatment. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency,motifs, risk factors and consequencesof delay in consultation and the associated factors.

Study method: This is a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims in the population of Bembereke. The delay in consultation was defined for seeking care more than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Data analysis and processing was done by Epi data 3.1 and Epi info 3.5 software. A p-value of less than 5% was considered significant.

Results: In total, 178 adults were recruited in this study among which 93 (52.2%) were male, that is a sex ratio of 1.09. The average age of the subjects surveyed was 21 ± 6.49 years. The delay in consultation was observed in 128 patients, a frequency of 71.9%. The reasons for the delay in consultation were self-medication and lack of financial means respectively in 70.3% and 29.7% of the patients. Lack of transportation and lack of prior hospitalization were the risk factors with delay in consultation. Severe malaria was the consequence of delay in consultation.

Conclusion: Most subjects with malaria in Bembereke have a late recourse to consultation. The reasons for the delay in consultation were self-medication and lack of financial.