Health Seeking Behavior after Fever Onset in a Malaria-Endemic Area of Malawi

Informal sources of care may lead to ineffective use of anti-malarial drugs. A survey conducted in Malawi estimated the frequency of use of informal and formal services, medications, and household costs. A total of 508 household interviews were conducted. Treatment with an anti-malarial was reported in 24% of young children accessing the informal sector and in 91% accessing formal services. Informal care was associated with shorter travel and waiting times, a lower proportion of carers of feverish adults missing work or studies and losing earnings, and a lower proportion of older children missing studies or work. Total out of pocket costs of fever episodes constitutes between 9% and 14% in young children and 18% in adults of their total available resources. Patients may perceive informal services to be associated with opportunity cost advantages: however, these may be associated with health risks of inadequate prescribing, particularly in young children.