Adherence to the Revised National Malaria Case Management Guidelines Among Healthcare Workers at Mzimba District Hospital in Northern Malawi

ABSTRACT Background Management of severe malaria among children remains a challenge in sub‐Saharan Africa, including Malawi. Therefore, this study examined the adherence to the national malaria case management guidelines among Malawian healthcare workers. Methods This was a mixed‐methods study that used purposive sampling to recruit nurses and clinicians in paediatric and nursery wards. Quantitative data were collected from 33 participants through a clinical observational checklist. Qualitative data were collected from 12 participants through in‐depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0, and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The results indicated that 32/33 of the participants effectively treated under‐five children with severe malaria, whereas 23/33 of the participants made incorrect diagnoses. Additionally, the general paediatric ward nurses did not appropriately monitor the patients. Most healthcare workers failed to provide adequate health education and follow‐up appointments for the discharged children and their guardians due to a shortage of staff, lack of equipment and lack of commitment. Conclusion The study suggests that there is poor adherence to the national malaria guidelines on the management of children with severe malaria.