Epidemiological Factors that Promote the Development of Severe Malaria Anaemia in Children in Ibadan
Afr. health sci. (Online)
; 7(2): 80-85, 2007.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1256472
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Background:
Effective control and management of severe malaria cases depends on a clear understanding of the local epidemiological factors and specific clinical manifesta- tions of the disease in the different endemic regions.Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of severe malaria and epidemiological factors that affect the development of malaria anaemia.Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was carried out among children below 5 years of age; at the Adeoyo State Maternity Hospital;Ibadan; Nigeria. Question-naires and case histories were taken from patients clinically diagnosed of malaria.Thus; 372 volunteers wererecruited into the study from the 3131 paediatric cases that reported over the10-week period to the out-patient department (OPD) ofthe hospital. 229 (61.6) of the recruited volunteers presented with fever (37.5 oC) at consultation.These had malaria parasite andPCV tests done.Results:
Clinical diagnosis was confirmed microscopically in 78(290/372) for Plasmodium infection using thick film slides. Anaemia (PCV 28) prevalence was 28.2. Factors that contributed to the rapid progression of uncomplicated malaria to severestatus included age of the child; level of parasitaemia; careless response and attitude of parents or guardians to fever in the children;parents' preoccupation with their jobs or other healthy children and unwillingness to use available health facilities.Conclusion:
The study underscores the need for community involved partnership for malaria control especially through healtheducation for the home manage- ment of malaria; espeically among those experiencing some form of inequity in access to healthcare
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Child
/
Anemia
/
Malaria
Type of study:
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. health sci. (Online)
Year:
2007
Type:
Article
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