Malaria parasitaemia, anaemia and malnutrition in children less than 15 years residing in different altitudes along the slope of Mount Cameroon: prevalence, intensity and risk factors

Abstract

BackgroundMalaria, anaemia and malnutrition are frequently co-existing diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality particularly among children. This study measured the prevalence, intensity and evaluated risk factors for malaria parasitaemia, anaemia and malnutrition among children living at low versus high altitude settings in the Mount Cameroon area.MethodsA cross-sectional community based survey involving 828 children aged 6 months to 14 years was conducted between July and November 2017. Malaria parasitaemia was confirmed by light microscopy, haemoglobin concentration was measured using an auto haematology analyser, nutritional status was determined from the anthropometric measurements collected, and socioeconomic status related variables by the use of questionnaire. Anaemia and malnutrition were defined according to World Health Organization standards. Associations between predictor variables and primary outcomes were assessed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsMalaria parasite and anaemia were prevalent in 41.7% and 56.2% of the children, respectively while, malnutrition prevalence was 34.8% with wasting, underweight and stunting occurring in 25.7%, 19.9% and 23.7% of them respectively. Overall malaria parasite geometric mean density was 413/µL of blood (range 100–27,060). The odds of having malaria parasitaemia was highest in children 5–9 years of age [odd ratio (OR) = 1.69, P = 0.006], living in lowland (OR = 1.48, P = 0.008) as well as those whose domestic water was collected from an open source (streams/springs) (OR = 1.81, P = 0.005) than their counterparts. Being < 5 years (OR = 3.15, P = < 0.001) or 5–9 years (OR = 2.20, P < 0.001) of age, having malaria parasite (OR = 2.07, P = < 0.001) and fever in the past 2 days (OR = 1.52, P < 0.04) were identified as significant risk factors of anaemia while the age group < 5 years was the only significant risk (OR = 3.09, P = < 0.001) associated with malnutrition.ConclusionWhile age specific attention should be given in the control of malaria (5–9 years), anaemia (< 10 years) and malnutrition (< 5 years), the existing malaria control programmes should be revised to integrate anaemia and malnutrition control strategies so as to improve upon the health of the children.

Uncomplicated falciparum malaria among schoolchildren in Bajil district of Hodeidah governorate, west of Yemen: Association with anaemia and underweight

“…In the present study, only approximately one-third of schoolchildren reported sleeping under mosquito nets during the malaria transmission season, with no signi cant association with reduced malaria prevalence. This nding is consistent with those reported for Ugandan and Cameroonian children [34,51] but inconsistent with that reported among Malawian schoolchildren [36]. The low utilisation of mosquito nets among schoolchildren is in agreement with that (19.0%) reported at the community level in Hodeidah in 2016 [52].…”

Uncomplicated falciparum malaria among schoolchildren in Bajil district of Hodeidah governorate, west of Yemen: Association with anaemia and underweight

“…In the present study, only approximately one-third of schoolchildren reported sleeping under mosquito nets during the malaria transmission season, with no signi cant association with reduced malaria prevalence. This nding is consistent with those reported for Ugandan and Cameroonian children [34,50] but inconsistent with that reported among Malawian schoolchildren [36]. The low utilisation of mosquito nets among schoolchildren is in agreement with that (19.0%) reported at the community level in Hodeidah in 2016 [51].…”

Insecticide Treated Net Ownership, Utilization and Knowledge of Malaria in Children Residing in Batoke-Limbe, Mount Cameroon Area: Effect on Malariometric and Haematological Indices

“…Batoke-Limbe is situated at the foot of Mount Cameroon and is bounded to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The area has been described in detailed by Teh et al [23].…”

“…This reveals that malaria remains a major cause of illness during childhood and the prevalence in this part of the country is not on a speedy decline. In addition, Batoke is at a lower altitude and several studies have reported that malaria prevalence is higher in lower altitude compared to their higher altitude counterparts [23,24].…”