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Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Malaria and Anemia in Children Aged 0-12 Years Attending the Nkwen District Hospital Bamenda Cameroon


Sr No:
Page No: 1-22
Language: English
Authors: Akenji Carine Ngum*, Prof. Nguemaïm Flore, Brain Tarawo Kwinji, Esoh Rane Tanwieh, Laisin Mariette Vernyuy, Awizoba Hodabalo
Received: 2024-12-09
Accepted: 2024-12-22
Published Date: 2024-12-24
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Abstract:
Background: Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans and other animals. The most serious and sometimes fatal type of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The other human malaria species, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and sometimes P. knowlesi can cause acute, severe illness but mortality rates are low. A signifcant proportion of these deaths resulted directly or indirectly from anemia. Anemia defined as a low blood hemoglobin concentration, has been shown to be a public health problem. The prevalence of malaria and anemia is associated with Parents’ age, education level and who they live with as well as where they live. Objectives: The general objective of this research is on the prevalence of malaria and anemia and the associated risk factors in children aged 0-12years Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study in the Nkwen District Hospital Bamenda where questionnaires were administered to collect information for social demographic and risk factors of malaria and anemia. Malaria tests was done microscopically staining with giemsa and anemia evaluated by was done using a hemoglobinometer to get the hemoglobin range Results: The total prevalence of malaria, anemia and malaria with anemia was 15.5%, 44% and 11.5% respectively. Our study also reveal some associated risk factors of malaria, anemia and malaria with anemia face by children from 0 to 12years such as sex, age of child and parents, single parent, and some other instrisic factors like use of ITNs, outdoor sleeping, use of insecticide and the transfusion history. Conclusion: this study revealed that malaria and anaemia constitute public health problems in the area with anemia being a severe public health concern while malaria is a mild public health issue in children attending the Nkwen District Hospital . Parents’ age, level of education, where they live was directly linked to malaria and all anaemia forms as well as risk factors like ITNs, mosquito insecticides, stagnant water in the environment and outdoor sleeping. Hence measures should be put in place in order to reduce the prevalence of malaria and anemia amongst children and it is important to conduct further investigations to identify the underlying causes of anemia in children.
Keywords: Prevalence, Malaria, Anemia, Nkwen District Hospital.

Journal: IRASS Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
ISSN(Online): 3049-0073
Publisher: IRASS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Malaria and Anemia in Children Aged 0-12 Years Attending the Nkwen District Hospital Bamenda Cameroon