Severe Malaria in Young Children in Northern Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Oduro Abraham R, Koram Kwadwo A, Rogers William, Atuguba Frank, Ansah Patrick, Anyorigiya Thomas, Ansah Akosua, Anto Francis, Mensah Nathan, Hodgson Abraham, Nkrumah Francis
Primary Institution: Navrongo Health Research Centre
Hypothesis
What are the clinical characteristics and incidence of severe falciparum malaria in young children in the Kassena-Nankana district of northern Ghana?
Conclusion
Severe malaria is a frequent and seasonal childhood disease in northern Ghana and may be an adequate endpoint for future malaria vaccine trials.
Supporting Evidence
- 45.2% of screened children had severe malaria.
- The incidence of severe malaria was estimated at 3.4% per year.
- Severe anaemia was the most common manifestation at 36.5%.
- Cerebral malaria was a significant risk factor for death.
Takeaway
Many young children in northern Ghana get very sick from malaria, especially during the rainy season, and this can help researchers test new vaccines.
Methodology
Children aged 6–59 months with severe malaria were studied at Navrongo War Memorial Hospital, using WHO criteria for diagnosis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in reporting symptoms and treatment adherence from parents.
Limitations
The study only included children admitted to the hospital, which may not represent all cases in the community.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6–59 months, with 73.1% being male and 76% under 24 months old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
≤ 0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 3.1, 3.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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