Analyse de la pratique des professionnels de la santé à l’égard des maladies fébriles aigües non paludiques au Burkina Faso
In tropical regions, febrile diseases are the main cause of consultation with malaria playing a major role. Many efforts have been made, particularly in Africa, in the fight against malaria with significant progress in recent years. Unfortunately, little attention has been given to the management of febrile diseases other than malaria. There is, in fact, evidence that mortality is higher in the group of febrile patients without malaria than among those with malaria in endemic regions. This is a public health issue that has been further highlighted by the widespread use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria.  The main objective of this research is to carry out an analysis of the professional practices of healthcare providers in the management of non-malaria acute febrile illness in urban and rural sites in Burkina Faso. Inspired by Schön’s approach, which supports the evaluation of professional practice in the course of action, we have attempted to decipher this practice through clinical vignettes. The general hypothesis of this research is that the professional practice regarding non-malarial acute febrile illness in Burkina Faso is not in accordance to the guidelines issued by the Burkinabe Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). A survey of practices, characterized on clinical situations and based on officials’ standards and guides of the Ministry of Health Burkinabè and the WHO, was conducted among 286 Burkinabè healthcare providers.  The use of a linear mixed hierarchical model on the survey data showed limited knowledge about management of non-malaria acute febrile diseases. This gap was more evident at the admission and diagnosis level. The healthcare providers answers from rural areas answered to diagnosis, treatment and the use of antibiotics were more in accordance with official’s standards and guides. Overall, more educated participants had higher scores. Nearly 50% of participants felt that they needed training in at least one of the clinical situations in clinical vignettes. There is a need to strengthen capacity of non-malaria acute febrile illness management of Burkinabè healthcare providers. It can be acheived through continuing education, but also by including this important issue in the basic training courses of primary healthcare providers.
Burkina Faso Cross-sectional study Healthcare providers Professional practice Non-malaria acute febrile illness (NMAFI)