Malaria epidemiology in the Ahafo area of Ghana
2011

Malaria Epidemiology in the Ahafo Area of Ghana

Sample size: 1671 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Asante Kwaku P, Zandoh Charles, Dery Dominic B, Brown Charles, Adjei George, Antwi-Dadzie Yaw, Adjuik Martin, Tchum Kofi, Dosoo David, Amenga-Etego Seeba, Mensah Christine, Owusu-Sekyere Kwabena B, Anderson Chris, Krieger Gary, Owusu-Agyei Seth

Primary Institution: Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health

Hypothesis

What is the malaria epidemiology in the mining area of Ahafo, Ghana?

Conclusion

The study found a high malaria transmission in the mining area prior to mining activities, indicating a need for intensified control efforts.

Supporting Evidence

  • The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia was found to be 22.8%.
  • Health insurance membership was protective against malaria parasitaemia.
  • Children under 24 months had a higher prevalence of anaemia compared to older children.

Takeaway

This study looked at how many kids under five had malaria in a mining area in Ghana, and it found that a lot of them were sick with it.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess malaria parasitaemia and anaemia among children under five years in selected households.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the selection of households and the reliance on self-reported data regarding health insurance and ITN ownership.

Limitations

The study was conducted prior to the start of mining activities, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to post-mining conditions.

Participant Demographics

About 50% of household heads were male, with a majority of children being over 24 months old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 20.8 - 24.9

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2875-10-211

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