Performance Evaluation of Malaria Microscopists at Defense Health Facilities in Addis Ababa and Its Surrounding Areas, Ethiopia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166170
• Publication Date: 2016-11-28T19:03:41Z
• Authors: Tigist Yitbarek; Desalegn Nega; Geremew Tasew; Bineyam Taye; Kassu Desta
• Keywords: Gold standard (test); Kappa; Diagnosis of malaria

Background Blood film microscopy is the gold standard approach for malaria diagnosis, and preferred method routine patient diagnosis in health facilities. However, inability of laboratory professionals to correctly detect identify parasites microscopically leads an inappropriate administration anti-malarial drugs patients incorrect findings research areas. This study was carried out evaluate performance facilities under Defense Health Main Department Addis Ababa its surroundings, Ethiopia. Method A cross sectional conducted from June July 2015. Totally, 60 selected 16 were included study. Data collected by distributing standardized pre-validated slide-panels self-administered questionnaires among professionals, onsite each facility. Sensitivity, specificity, strength agreement (with kappa score) participants against WHO-certified expert microscopists calculated. Result Of participants, 8.3% (5/60) read all distributed slides terms parasite detection, species identification counting; whereas, remaining 55(91.7%) interpreted at least two incorrectly. The overall sensitivity specificity participants' detection 65.7% 100%, respectively. Overall, fair (71.4%; Kappa: 0.4) observed between subjects readers. respectively 41.3% 100%. slight (51.1%; kappa: 0.04) observed. Generally, lower low density mixed infection cases. Conclusion general very low, particularly cases low-parasite infections. Therefore, regular external quality assessments further refreshment trainings are crucial enhance skill microscopy; those non-malarious areas where exposure low.