Mapping Malaria Risk in Côte d'Ivoire
Author Information
Author(s): Silué Kigbafori D, Raso Giovanna, Yapi Ahoua, Vounatsou Penelope, Tanner Marcel, N'Goran Eliézer K, Utzinger Jürg
Primary Institution: UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan
Hypothesis
What are the spatial risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infections among schoolchildren in a malaria-endemic area?
Conclusion
Spatial risk profiling of P. falciparum prevalence data provides a useful tool for targeting malaria control intervention.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall prevalence of P. falciparum infection was 64.9%.
- Children aged 6 to 10 years were at a significantly higher risk of infection.
- Not sleeping under a bed net was a significant risk factor for infection.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many schoolchildren in a rural area of Côte d'Ivoire have malaria and what factors make them more likely to get it.
Methodology
A questionnaire was administered and blood samples were collected from 3,962 children aged 6 to 16 years across 55 schools, with geostatistical models used for analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the timing of blood sample collection and reliance on environmental data from digitized maps.
Limitations
Only a single blood sample was collected per child, which may have missed some infections, and the study's duration could have introduced seasonal bias.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6 to 16 years from rural schools in western Côte d'Ivoire.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI for odds ratios provided in the study.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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