Malaria Cases in Young Children in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Mazigo Humphrey D, Meza Wilfred, Ambrose Emanuella E, Kidenya Benson R, Kweka Eliningaya J
Primary Institution: Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of confirmed malaria among children under five with fever in rural western Tanzania?
Conclusion
Only a small proportion of the children under the age of five with fever had malaria, indicating the need for improved diagnostic measures.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 12% of children under five with fever had confirmed malaria.
- 52.7% of children with malaria had fever, while others did not.
- Age above one year was associated with higher malaria infections.
Takeaway
In Tanzania, not all kids with fever have malaria, so doctors need to check for malaria before giving medicine.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with children under five presenting with fever, using blood samples and questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental reports of fever and the study being conducted during a low transmission season.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design and small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
54.3% boys and 45.7% girls, median age 13 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.044
Confidence Interval
95%CI, 8.3-15.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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