Factors associated with recurrent malaria episodes among children under five at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital in Kayunga District, Central Uganda
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Published on: October 6, 2015
Derick Modi1, Marvin Musinguzi1, Patricia Pita2
1Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
Insights
Recurrent malaria is highly prevalent in Ugandan children under five. Factors like indoor residual spraying and closed windows are associated with malaria recurrence, highlighting potential resistance and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Malaria is a significant global health issue, disproportionately affecting children under five in low- and middle-income countries.
- Uganda faces a substantial burden of malaria, with limited understanding of recurrent malaria episodes.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding recurrent malaria in Ugandan children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of recurrent malaria episodes in children under five.
- To identify factors associated with recurrent malaria episodes in this age group.
- To inform malaria control strategies in Uganda.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda.
- Data was collected from 250 participants caring for children under five using a researcher-administered questionnaire.
- Statistical analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate levels.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of recurrent malaria episodes was 84% among children under five.
- Factors associated with recurrence included house spraying status and closed windows at night.
- Treatment with quinine for previous infections was associated with a lower risk of recurrence.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of recurrent malaria suggests potential drug resistance.
- Quinine remains an effective treatment for complicated malaria, especially in high transmission areas.
- Malaria prevention programs should consider biannual indoor residual spraying with susceptible insecticides.
Background:
Malaria poses a substantial global challenge and continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity in numerous developing nations. Children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries such as Uganda are the most affected. However, there remains a deficiency in knowledge regarding recurrent malaria episodes in Uganda. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with recurrent malaria episodes among children under five at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted among children under five at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital in central Uganda. The data was collected among 250 consecutively sampled participants who were caring for children under five. Data was collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire and analyzed at univariate, bivariate, and multivariate levels.
Results:
A total of 250 participants participated in the study with a response rate of 98.45%. The prevalence of recurrent malaria episodes was 84% (210). The factors significantly associated with recurrent malaria episodes were; children from houses that were annually sprayed (aOR; 8.93, 95%CI,2.11-37.81), children from houses that were not sprayed (aOR; 3.80,95%CI,1.27-9.41, p = 0.017), children who were treated with quinine antimalarial in the previous infection (aOR, 0.28, 95%CI,0.12-0.65) and children who were residing in a house whose windows were closed at 7-8 pm (aOR, 8.31, 95%CI, 2.21-10.27).
Conclusion:
The recurrence of malaria episodes among children under five is significantly high, suggesting the possibility of malaria resistance. Importantly, quinine remains a robust alternative treatment for complicated malaria, owing to its significant efficacy against malaria parasites in regions of moderate to high transmission rates. Malaria prevention programs should consider biannual indoor residual spraying in high malaria transmission areas using vector-susceptible insecticides.
