Urban Malaria in Cotonou, Benin
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Shr-Jie, Lengeler Christian, Smith Thomas A, Vounatsou Penelope, Akogbeto Martin, Tanner Marcel
Primary Institution: Swiss Tropical Institute (STI)
Hypothesis
What is the malaria endemicity and the fraction of malaria-attributable fevers in health facilities in Cotonou?
Conclusion
The low malaria prevalence may be linked to urban transformation and high bednet usage, but over-diagnosis and over-treatment of malaria are significant issues.
Supporting Evidence
- 34.6% of consultations in public health facilities were for simple malaria cases.
- 69.2% of patients used a mosquito net the night before the survey.
- Malaria played a small role in fever episodes at the end of the dry season.
Takeaway
In Cotonou, not many people have malaria, even though many think they do, and using bednets helps keep people safe from it.
Methodology
The study involved health facility evaluations and school parasitaemia surveys during the dry season.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of over-diagnosis and over-treatment of malaria cases.
Limitations
The study was cross-sectional and conducted only during the dry season, which may not reflect malaria prevalence during the rainy season.
Participant Demographics
Participants included children aged 6-12 years and adults, with a significant portion being under 5 years old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.018
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.07–0.78
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website