The standard of malaria prevention advice in UK primary care

SummaryObjectiveTo assess the range and quality of malaria prevention advice in the County of Bedfordshire, England. To compare standards of knowledge of nurses and GPs. To relate questionnaire performance to deprivation and percentage non-white population in the practice areas.DesignA self-administered four A4 page questionnaire comprising 34 questions was sent to 92 general practices. Separate responses were requested from one doctor and one nurse within each practice.ParticipantsDoctors and nurses from general practices in the county of Bedfordshire.SettingPrimary care in an English County.ResultsFor malaria prevention advice in the County of Bedfordshire, UK.Nurses were more knowledgeable than GPs.Group practices were more knowledgeable than single doctor practices.The standard of knowledge for the same population of practices rose between 1997 and 2006.Only a small percentage of practices used a protocol.Practices in more deprived areas were less knowledgeable.Practices in areas with a higher percentage non-white population were less knowledgeable.ConclusionsEthnic minority travellers visiting friends and relations have the greatest need for improved malaria prevention, yet appear to receive the worst prevention advice. Substantial improvement in delivery of advice is required.