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Malaria amongst febrile children: call for a pediatric malaria assessment tool
Mumbere Hangi Stan1, Megan Andrea Singh2, Sejal Paresh Doshi2
1Department of Pediatrics, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Insights
Pediatric malaria in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is linked to the absence of a father as head of household and maternal malaria during pregnancy. Understanding these sociodemographic factors is crucial for better child health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Malaria remains a significant global health threat, causing 435,000 deaths in 2017.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) bears a substantial burden, with malaria causing 11% of global deaths and 40% of childhood mortality.
- Limited data exists on sociodemographic risk factors for pediatric malaria, particularly in high-burden regions like the DRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sociodemographic risk factors associated with pediatric malaria in febrile children in the DRC.
- To identify specific household and maternal characteristics that may increase a child's risk of contracting malaria.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 131 febrile children (2 months to 14 years) at Heal Africa Hospital.
- Guardians completed questionnaires on sociodemographic, household, and maternal factors.
- Malaria diagnosis was confirmed by blood smear, with data analyzed using chi-square tests, likelihood ratios, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The absence of a father as head of household (p=0.011) was significantly associated with pediatric malaria.
- Gestational malaria (maternal malaria during pregnancy) (p=0.044) was also significantly linked to pediatric malaria.
- These findings highlight key sociodemographic predictors of malaria in children within the DRC.
Conclusions:
- Sociodemographic factors, including household structure and maternal health history, play a significant role in pediatric malaria risk in the DRC.
- Further research is warranted to explore these associations more deeply.
- Developing an assessment tool incorporating sociodemographics, symptoms, and physical exam findings could improve diagnostic accuracy and patient-centered care for febrile children.
Abstract:
In 2017, malaria accounted for 435 000 deaths worldwide. Eleven percent (11%) of these deaths occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where malaria continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Children are amongst the most vulnerable to malaria, which causes 40% of childhood deaths in the country. Although many risk factors for developing malaria have been identified, there is a paucity of data available on the sociodemographic risk factors for pediatric malaria. A cross-sectional study including 131 febrile children aged 2 months to 14 years presenting to Heal Africa Hospital due to febrile illness. Guardians of participants answered a questionnaire about household and maternal characteristics, as well as child symptomatology. Malaria status was confirmed via blood smear. Results were analyzed using the chi-square test, likelihood ratios and a logistic regression. The absence of father as head of household (p=0.011) and gestational malaria (p=0.044) were significantly associated with pediatric malaria. This study provides insight into sociodemographic risk factors associated with pediatric malaria in the DRC. While further investigation is required, this study highlights the benefit of considering these factors when approaching the febrile child. A pediatric malaria assessment tool incorporating socio-demographics, symptoms and physical exam findings may guide investigations to reduce unnecessary testing and provide better patient-centred care.
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