Economic Factors and Malaria Treatment Compliance among Rural South African Women Farmers: A Regression Analysis within an African Context

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in rural South Africa, particularly among women farmers who often face economic challenges that affect their ability to seek and adhere to recommended treatments. A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies published within the last five years in reputable journals and databases. Studies were critically appraised for quality and relevance, and data concerning economic factors such as income, healthcare access, and treatment costs were extracted for a meta-analysis. Regression analysis revealed that women with lower incomes had significantly reduced compliance rates (OR = 0.67; CI: 0.52-0.87) compared to those with higher incomes, suggesting that economic disparities impact adherence to malaria treatment protocols. This study underscores the importance of addressing economic barriers in improving malaria treatment outcomes among rural South African women farmers. Healthcare policies should prioritise interventions targeting income generation and reducing healthcare costs for this vulnerable population, thereby enhancing overall compliance with recommended treatments.