Geographic Factors Affecting Malaria Infection in Papua New Guinea
Author Information
Author(s): Myers Ward P, Myers Andrea P, Cox-Singh Janet, Lau Hui C, Mokuai Benny, Malley Richard
Primary Institution: Children's Hospital Boston
Hypothesis
Are geographic parameters associated with malarial infection in the East Sepik province of Papua New Guinea?
Conclusion
Malarial infection is significantly associated with lower elevation and greater distance from the administrative centre in rural Papua New Guinea.
Supporting Evidence
- 332 blood samples were collected, representing 24% of the estimated population.
- 96 samples tested positive for malaria, yielding a prevalence of 29%.
- Chi square testing showed a non-random distribution of malaria cases across sub-regions.
Takeaway
This study found that where you live can affect your chances of getting malaria, especially if you're at a lower elevation or farther from the village center.
Methodology
Blood samples were collected from two villages, and geographic data was gathered using GPS to analyze the relationship between elevation, distance from the village center, and malaria prevalence.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-random distribution of participants and reliance on proxy geographic data.
Limitations
The study may have systematic bias in sample collection and used geographic centers as proxies for individual locations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from two villages in the East Sepik province, with varying accessibility and population densities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
[0.39, 1.31]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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