Factors contributing to the prevalence of malaria in children under five (5) years in Kampala International University teaching hospital.
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Date
2018-10
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Publisher
Kampala International University. School of Health Sciences Western Campus
Abstract
Enhanced malaria control has resulted in its reduction in some areas of Sub Saharan Africa including Uganda. However, asymptomatic hosts serve as a reservoir for the malaria parasite for communities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria parasites and risk factors associated with malaria infection among children under-five years admitted on pediatric ward of Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. Methods: This community-based cross sectional study was conducted from 1st-October-2017 to 1st- December 2017 among children under five years admitted on paediatric ward. Interviews with parents or guardians were conducted to collect data on malaria associated risk factors. Results: A total of 138 children were included in the study. Nearly a third (28.8%) of the children were within the age of 25-36 months. The majority (70%) of the children were females. Children who were not sleeping under insecticide treated nets were 15 times more likely to be infected with malaria parasites compared to those who were sleeping under nets Conclusion: It is important to understand the determinants of malaria so that effective monitoring and evaluation of malaria can be carried out. This study showed the importance of socioeconomic status as well as education in the fight against malaria. The asymptomatic infections in the community forms a reservoir for transmission in the area. Young age of the child and not sleeping under mosquito net were associated with malaria parasite infection. It is important to ensure that resources are channeled in order to optimize prevention strategies that are put in place. Once the population is empowered, then preventive strategies for malaria elimination can then be implemented successfully and if the population is educated, then it is able to understand better the strategies in place and implement them successfully. The government must be economically sound in order to effectively implement the malaria control strategies so resources must be in place to implement malaria control strategies as well as sustaining them. Key words Malaria, Children, Prevalence, Risk factors, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital
Description
A dissertation submitted to the faculty of clinical medicine and dentistry in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Malaria prevalence, Children under five, Kampala International University teaching hospital.