Malaria, Moderate to Severe Anaemia, and Malarial Anaemia in Children at Presentation to Hospital in the Mount Cameroon Area: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

<i>Background</i>. Malaria remains a major killer of children in Sub-Saharan Africa, while anaemia is a public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Examining the factors associated with moderate to severe anaemia (M<i>d</i>SA) and malarial anaemia as well as the haematological characteristics is essential. <i>Methodology</i>. Children (1-14 years) at presentation at the Regional Hospital Annex-Buea were examined clinically and blood samples were collected for malaria parasite detection and full blood count evaluation. <i>Results</i>. <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>, anaemia, and malarial anaemia occurred in 33.8%, 62.0%, and 23.6% of the 216 children, respectively. Anaemia prevalence was significantly higher in malaria parasite positive children and those with fever than their respective counterparts. M<i>d</i>SA and moderate to severe malarial anaemia (M<i>d</i>SMA) were detected in 38.0% and 15.3% of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of M<i>d</i>SA was significantly higher in children whose household head had no formal education, resided in the lowland, or was febrile, while M<i>d</i>SMA was significantly higher in febrile children only. Children with M<i>d</i>SMA had significantly lower mean white blood cell, lymphocyte, and platelet counts while the mean granulocyte count was significantly higher. <i>Conclusion</i>. Being febrile was the only predictor of both M<i>d</i>SA and M<i>d</i>SMA. More haematological insult occurred in children with M<i>d</i>SMA compared to MdSA.