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Childhood asymptomatic malaria and nutritional status among Port Harcourt children

Z A Jeremiah1, E K Uko

  • 1Postgraduate Haematology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. zacjerry@yahoo.com

East African Journal of Public Health
|December 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Undernourished children, particularly those under five, face a higher risk of malaria infection and related illness in malaria-endemic regions. Adequate nutrition is crucial for children to combat the adverse effects of malaria.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Nutritional epidemiology
  • Public health in developing nations

Background:

  • Malaria remains a significant health challenge in tropical regions, disproportionately affecting young children.
  • Asymptomatic malaria infections in children can still impact their nutritional status and overall health.
  • Understanding the interplay between nutrition and malaria is vital for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the nutritional status of children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with asymptomatic malaria.
  • To determine if undernutrition confers any advantage or disadvantage in malaria-endemic areas.
  • To investigate the relationship between nutritional status and malaria parasitaemia in children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rumueme Community, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
  • 240 apparently healthy children aged 1-8 years participated.
  • Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric indices, and malaria infection was diagnosed.

Main Results:

  • 27.5% of children were infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
  • Underweight (17.5%), stunting (3.75%), and wasting (22.5%) were prevalent.
  • Underweight children had a higher risk of malaria infection (RR = 1.02).
  • Children under 5 years had higher rates of undernutrition and malaria parasitaemia.
  • Parasitized children had significantly lower hemoglobin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Undernutrition, especially in children under five, increases the risk of malaria-related morbidity.
  • Adequate nutrition is essential for children in malaria-endemic areas to mitigate the negative impacts of malaria.
  • Interventions should focus on improving nutritional status to enhance malaria resilience in children.
Abstract

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