Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antimalarial drug prescriptions by healthcare providers in Cameroon: a systematic review

. With recent reports of the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Africa, healthcare providers are pivotal in the optimal effectiveness of these drugs. This systematic review was designed to analyze knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers toward antimalarial drug prescriptions in Cameroon. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024596768). Reference databases were queried to identify the studies as per PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the JBI tools. Twelve studies were included. The analysis indicates that healthcare providers are knowledgeable about ACTs and national treatment guidelines. However, their attitudes and practices toward adherence to guidelines remain inconsistent and often suboptimal. Drug prescription without laboratory confirmation of malaria, non-prescription drug administration, and incorrect prescriptions (incorrect drugs and/or posology) are the main malpractices. Key gaps include a lack of studies in underrepresented regions, non-P. falciparum malaria treatment, and therapeutic management of special populations. Collectively, the findings outline the need to reinforce awareness strategies in healthcare providers and address the identified gaps to achieve successful malaria control in Cameroon.