Epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in the Ikata-Likoko Area of Mount Cameroon: A Cross Sectional Study
Calvin Bisong Ebai *
Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O.Box 63 Buea, SWR, Cameroon.
Helen Kuokuo Kimbi
Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O.Box 63 Buea, SWR, Cameroon and Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O.Box 39 Bambili, NWR, Cameroon.
Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O.Box 63 Buea, SWR, Cameroon.
Jude Ebah Yunga
Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O.Box 63 Buea, SWR, Cameroon.
Leopold Gustave Lehman
Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, P.O.Box 24157 Douala, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study was aimed at evaluating socio-demographic, clinical, as well as preventive measures associated with malaria parasite prevalence and anaemia in the Ikata-Likoko area.
Study Design: It was a cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Ikata-Likoko area of the Mount Cameroon area in the South West Region, from June to July 2014.
Methodology: Five hundred and sixteen participants (273 females, 243 males) were included in the study. Information on socio-demographic data, febrile/clinical history and malaria prevention methods were recorded on a structured questionnaire. Venous blood was collected for the detection of malaria parasite in Giemsa-stained blood smears and for determination of haematological parameters using an electronic blood cell analyser.
Results: Out of 516 participants, 183 (35.5%) were positive for malaria parasite. Parasite prevalence varied significantly with age (P=.001) where children 5-15 years were the most infected (47.7%, 72). Individuals with no formal or primary education were significantly more infected (38.0%, 145) than their counterparts with secondary or tertiary education (P=.046). With respect to occupation, pupils and students (41.7%, 108) were the most infected and the difference was significant (P=.009). Prevalence was not affected by gender and locality. The overall geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) was 1967/µL of blood (range: 64-31680). GMPD was significantly higher in participants from Mile 14 (21178/µL of blood, range: 64-24000) than those from other localities. GMPD did not vary with gender, age, level of school attainment and occupation. Fever (48.9%, 216), (OR: 47.1, 95%CI: 15.1-71.2, P=.00), vomiting (1.17%; 7), (OR: 11.15, 95%CI: 1.2-107.8, P=.04) and anaemia (26.1%, 110), (OR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.3-3.0, P=.007) were clinical factors associated with malaria parasitaemia. Individuals living in wooden houses had a higher prevalence of malaria (36.3%, 182), (OR: 0.097 95%CI: 0.1-0.8, P=.03) as well as GMPD (1943, CI: 64-31680, P=.044) than those in brick houses.
Conclusion: Malaria and anaemia remain high in the area. Community awareness campaign and the intensification of prevention strategies could reduce the prevalence.
Keywords: Malaria, prevalence, anaemia, risk factors, preventive measures