EXPLANATORY FACTORS for MOTHERS' NON-USE of ARTEMISININ-BASED COMBINATION THERAPY for FEVER in CHILDREN AGED 6-59 MONTHS in BURKINA FASO

kalifa keita, université de yaounde II et Institut de Formation et de Recherche Demographique (IFORD)

The results of the multivariate analysis reveal that the mother's ethnicity plays a crucial role in the non-use of Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT) to treat fever in children aged 6 to 59 months in Burkina Faso. This observation aligns with the work of Fournier and Haddad (1995), who emphasize that ethnicity reflects a cultural diversity that shapes attitudes towards illness and care. Indeed, Faizang (1983) states that perceptions of illness and therapeutic practices are strongly influenced by cultural norms. Thus, the choice between modern and traditional medicine seems to be closely linked to ethnicity. As demonstrated by Akoto et al. (2002), the Sarakole and Peuhl ethnic groups in Mali are three times more likely to turn to traditional medicine than the Bambara, which reduces the use of ACT in these communities. This trend is also observed in Nigeria, where Feyisetan et al. (1997) show that traditional beliefs can significantly influence the use of modern treatments.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

See extended abstract.