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Malaria and low birth weight in central Sudan
T el T Taha1, R H Gray, A A Mohamedani
1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Juba, Sudan.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Mesoendemic malaria significantly contributes to low birth weight in Central Sudan. Interventions like malaria treatment and prevention, especially for primigravid women early in pregnancy, are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Malaria is a significant global health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a critical indicator of infant health and a predictor of long-term outcomes.
- The impact of mesoendemic malaria on LBW in Central Sudan requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the contribution of mesoendemic malaria to low birth weight (LBW) in Central Sudan.
- To identify risk factors associated with malaria and LBW.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in reducing LBW.
Main Methods:
- Nested case-control hospital study and midwife-based community cohort study conducted in Central Sudan (1989-1990).
- Malarial infection determined by maternal history, parasitology, and histopathology.
- Statistical analysis including odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Significant association between maternal malaria history and LBW in both hospital (OR=1.6) and community (OR=1.7) studies.
- High attributable risk percentages for LBW due to malaria (22.2% hospital, 24.5% community).
- Increased LBW risk with higher parasitemia, earlier pregnancy attacks, and in primiparous women.
Conclusions:
- Mesoendemic malaria is a significant risk factor for low birth weight in Central Sudan.
- Malaria treatment, chemoprophylaxis, and insecticide use are effective interventions to reduce LBW.
- Interventions should prioritize primigravid women and be initiated early in pregnancy.