Prevalence and factors associated with malaria parasitaemia in children under the age of five years in Malawi: A comparison study of the 2012 and 2014 Malaria Indicator Surveys (MISs)

by Maggie Zgambo, Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya, Fatch Welcome Kalembo

Background

Malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of five years in Malawi. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and factors associated with malaria parasitaemia among children under the age of five years in Malawi between the 2014 and 2012 Malaria Indicator Surveys (MISs).

Methodology

Data on demographic factors, vector control interventions, and blood for malaria test were collected from a representative sample of children under the age of five years in Malawi through multistage cluster sampling method. Data were analysed by chi-square test and logistic regression using complex samples analysis of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.

Results

The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among children under the age of five years increased from 28% in 2012 to 33% in 2014 (p > 0.05). Likewise, the proportion of children using long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) increased significantly from 54% in 2012 to 65% in 2014 MIS (p Conclusion

The increase in the use of LLIN among children in 2014, did not result in the reduction of malaria parasitaemia in children. The use of LLIN significantly predicted for malaria parasitaemia among children in the 2012 MIS but not in the 2014 MIS. The results of this study underscore the need to increase the coverage of IRS, mosquito repellents and larvicide alongside LLINs in order to reduce the burden of malaria among children in Malawi.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2pqkQtA
via IFTTT