PONE-D-24-09527Use of malaria rapid diagnostic test and anti-malarial drug prescription practices among primary healthcare workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: an analytical cross-sectional studyPLOS ONE

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Title:

Use of malaria rapid diagnostic test and anti-malarial drug prescription practices among primary healthcare workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: an analytical cross-sectional study

The article has addresses an insight, in relation to the use of MRDTs to diagnose malaria in Nigeria, there's a gap between policy and practice. Improvements are needed in knowledge, attitudes, and potentially targeted interventions for specific healthcare workers to ensure they strictly follow negative test results and reduce unnecessary prescription of anti-malarial drugs. This will help combat drug resistance and improve overall malaria treatment practices.

Comments:

1. Authors have addressed the importance of Kit based diagnosis and medication based on the results. However, authors should also mention the malarial infection prevalent i.e., the infection due to different species.

2. The methodology section can be written precisely.

sections like Study design, setting and participants: the lines from 130 to 145 can be shortened and many of the lines not relevant to the manuscript may be removed.

Section sample size and sampling techniques calculation part can be avoided and is also not required.

For Statistical analysis: The section can be briefly written as these can be indicated in the table section for better readability.

Authors must also discuss about the efficiency of the MRDT in detection of malaria.

3. All the references are relevant.

4. Authors have stressed on the implementation of better policies to overcome the problems which might arise from overmedication

Reviewer #2: The authors have narrated the gaps and factors that can be improved for the use of MRDT kits and anti-malaria drug prescription. The manuscript is well written and the methods are sufficient to replicate the results or to implement the findings.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes: Namrata Anand

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Use of malaria rapid diagnostic test and anti-malarial drug prescription practices among primary healthcare workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: an analytical cross-sectional study

PONE-D-24-09527R1

Dear Dr. Omale,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

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Kind regards,

Yash Gupta, Ph.D.

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Author response and the revised manuscript adress all the issues raised by the reviewer. The current revised manuscript is fit for publication in PlosOne

Reviewers' comments: