Impact of Seasonal Malaria Treatment in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Dicko Alassane, Sagara Issaka, Sissoko Mahamadou S, Guindo Ousmane, Diallo Abdoulbaki I, Kone Mamady, Toure Ousmane B, Sacko Massambou, Doumbo Ogobara K
Primary Institution: Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Bamako, Mali
Hypothesis
Does intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine reduce the incidence of clinical malaria in children during the transmission season?
Conclusion
The study found that two malaria intermittent treatments targeting the peak transmission season reduced the annual incidence rate of clinical malaria by 42.5% in an area with intense seasonal transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence rate of malaria was 3.2 episodes in the treatment group vs. 5.8 episodes in the control group.
- Age-adjusted protective efficacy was 42.5% during the first 12 months.
- During the first 16 weeks, the age-adjusted protective efficacy was 67.5%.
- No significant difference in in vivo response between the groups was detected.
Takeaway
Giving kids medicine during the rainy season can help keep them from getting sick with malaria.
Methodology
262 children aged 6 months to 10 years were randomized to receive either IPT with SP or no IPT during the transmission season and followed for 12 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of blinding and the non-placebo-controlled design.
Limitations
The study was not placebo-controlled and the follow-up period may not capture long-term effects.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6 months to 10 years from a rural village in Mali.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.46
Confidence Interval
[95% CI 28.6%–53.8%]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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