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Sama SO, Taiwe GS, Teh RN, Njume GE, Chiamo SN, Sumbele IUN. Anaemia, iron deficiency and inflammation prevalence in children in the Mount Cameroon area and the contribution of inflammatory cytokines on haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations: a cross sectional study. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:94. [PMID: 37507740 PMCID: PMC10375674 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia of inflammation (AI) coexist where infections and nutritional deficiencies are common. The aim of this study was to determine burden of ID, anaemia, inflammation and AI in children in malaria endemic Limbe, Mount Cameroon as well as decipher the contribution of some inflammatory cytokines on the concentration of haemoglobin and ferritin. METHODS A total of 520 children aged ≤ 15 years old from the Limbe Health District (LHD) were randomly selected and examined in a cross-sectional study for iron deficiency, anaemia, inflammation and inflammation anaemia. Collected blood samples were used for full blood count and inflammatory marker analyses with the aid of a haemoanalyzer and ELISA machine, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between cytokines and haemoglobin while multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of inflammatory cytokines on haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations. RESULTS The overall prevalence of anaemia, ID, IDA, inflammation and AI were respectively, 67.5%, 34.6%, 12.9%, 63.1% and 30.2%. Children aged 12‒15 years (P = 0.001), enrolled from the community (P < 0.001), whose parents are civil servants (P < 0.001), living in a home with 6‒10 occupants (P = 0.016), afebrile (P < 0.001) and malaria negative (P = 0.007) had the highest prevalence of ID while, children ≤ 5 years old (P = 0.001), with a family size of 1‒5 occupants (P = 0.033) had the highest prevalence of AI. Haemoglobin concentration positively correlated with concentrations of IFN-γ (P < 0.001), TNF-α (0.045) and ferritin (P < 0.001) while a negative correlation was observed with IL-10 (P = 0.003). In the multiple linear regression analysis only IL-6 significantly (P = 0.030) influenced haemoglobin concentration. CONCLUSIONS While IL-6 is of significance in the pathology of anaemia, iron deficiency and anaemia of inflammation are of moderate public health concerns in the Mount Cameroon area. Hence, appropriate intervention against anaemia, ID and AI should be directed at children ≤ 5 years and counterparts > 10 years old that bear the highest burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Odmia Sama
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Rene Ning Teh
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
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Tatah L, Bain LE, Kongnyuy E, Assah F, Mbanya JC. Shared correlates of maternal and childhood overweight in Cameroon: a cross-sectional analysis of demographic and health survey data. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1265. [PMID: 37386386 PMCID: PMC10311895 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight parents are likelier to bear overweight babies, who are likelier to grow into overweight adults. Understanding the shared risks of being overweight between the mother-child dyad is essential for targeted life course interventions. In this study, we aimed to identify such risk factors in Cameroon. METHODS We conducted secondary data analysis using Cameroon's 2018 Demographic and Health Surveys. We used weighted multilevel binary logistic regressions to examine individual, household, and community correlates of maternal (15-49 years) and child (under five years) overweight. RESULTS We retained 4511 complete records for childhood and 4644 for maternal analysis. We found that 37% [95%CI:36-38%] of mothers and 12% [95%CI:11-13%] of children were overweight or obese. Many environmental and sociodemographic factors were positively associated with maternal overweight, namely urban residence, wealthier households, higher education, parity and being a Christian. Childhood overweight was positively associated with a child being older and a mother being overweight, a worker, or a Christian. Therefore, only religion affected both mothers overweight (aOR: 0.71[95%CI:0.56-0.91]) and childhood overweight (aOR 0.67[95%CI: 0.5-0.91]). Most of the potentially shared factors only indirectly affected childhood overweight through maternal overweight. CONCLUSION Besides religion, which affects both mothers and childhood overweight (with the Muslim faith being protective), much of childhood overweight is not directly explained by many of the observed determinants of maternal overweight. These determinants are likely to influence childhood overweight indirectly through maternal overweight. Extending this analysis to include unobserved correlates such as physical activity, dietary, and genetic characteristics would produce a more comprehensive picture of shared mother-child overweight correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lambed Tatah
- Health of Populations in Transition Research Group (HoPiT), University of Yaoundé I, 8046, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luchuo Engelbert Bain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- International Development Research Centre, IDRC, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Felix Assah
- Health of Populations in Transition Research Group (HoPiT), University of Yaoundé I, 8046, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jean Claude Mbanya
- Health of Populations in Transition Research Group (HoPiT), University of Yaoundé I, 8046, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Chilot D, Mondelaers A, Alem AZ, Asres MS, Yimer MA, Toni AT, Ayele TA. Pooled prevalence and risk factors of malaria among children aged 6-59 months in 13 sub-Saharan African countries: A multilevel analysis using recent malaria indicator surveys. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285265. [PMID: 37256889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every 75 seconds, a child under five dies of malaria. Mainly children, aged between six months and five years, are at the highest risk for malaria. These children lost maternal immunity and did not yet developed specific immunity to the infection. Under the age of five, children bear the highest burden of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Many individual and community level factors could contribute to malaria prevalence remaining high among under-five children in the region. Thus, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of malaria among children aged 6-59 months and identify potential factors associated with malaria by using recent Malaria Indicator Surveys in 13 SSA countries. METHODS Data for this study were drawn from recent 13 Sub-Saharan African countries Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS). A total weighted sample of 60,541 children aged 6-59 months was included. STATA version 14.2 was used to clean, code and analyze the data. Multilevel logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with malaria. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI and a P value <0.05 was reported to indicate statistical association. Model fitness and comparison were done using Inter cluster correlation coefficient, Median odds ratio, proportional change in variance, and deviance. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of malaria among children aged 6-59 months was found to be 27.41% (95% CI: 17.94%-36.88%). It ranges from 5.04% in Senegal to 62.57% in Sierra Leone. Aged 36-47 months (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI 3.21-3.91), and 48-59 months (AOR = 4.32, 95% CI 3.91-4.77), mothers attended primary education (AOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.73-0.84), richer (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.32-0.39), and richest household (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.14-0.19), number of three and more under-five children (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.26-1.45), improved floor material (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.57-0.73), improved wall material (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.64-0.84), improved roof material (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.93), insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) use (0.56, 95% CI 0.51-0.62), not anemic (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.04-0.06), rural resident (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI 2.06-2.27), high community ITN use (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.24-0.63) and high community poverty (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI 2.53-2.84) were strongly associated with malaria. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Almost 3 out of 10 children were infected by malaria in 13 SSA countries. Malaria infection remains one of the main killers of children aged 6-59 months in the SSA. This study revealed that older under-five children living in large families with low incomes in rural areas are most vulnerable to malaria infection. Our results clearly indicate that ITN utilization and improved housing are promising means to effectively prevent malaria infection among children aged 6-59 months. It is therefore important to note that households with low wealth quintiles and rural residents should be prioritized in any mass distribution of ITNs. This has to be accompanied by education using mass media to enhance community awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmawi Chilot
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Medicine, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Annelies Mondelaers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adugnaw Zeleke Alem
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mezgebu Selamsew Asres
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Ayalew Yimer
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Teklu Toni
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Awoke Ayele
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Teh RN, Sumbele IUN, Nkeudem GA, Sandie SM, Sama SO, Metuge S, Kimbi HK. Malnutrition, anaemia and anisocytosis as public health problems among children ≤ 5 years living in malaria perennial transmission areas of Mount Cameroon: a cross sectional study. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:79. [PMID: 36280882 PMCID: PMC9590140 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaemia, anisocytosis, malnutrition (especially stunting) are common health problems in developing countries with children being the most vulnerable. These conditions have negative impacts on human performance, growth and development, and can further be complicated if comorbidity exists within a holoendemic stratum with strong and perennial malaria parasite transmission such as the Mount Cameroon area. The study aimed at determining the prevalence and severity malnutrition, anaemia and anisocytosis in children ≤ 5 years, living in the conflict hit malaria perennial transmission zone of the Mount Cameroon area. METHOD A cross-sectional community-based survey involving 628 children ≤ 5 years was conducted. Malaria parasitaemia was confirmed by Giemsa-stained microscopy and the density was log transformed. Haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume and red blood cell distribution width were estimated using an auto-haematology analyser and defined according to WHO standards. Anthropometric indices were analysed and compared with WHO growth reference standards using WHO Anthro software. RESULTS Plasmodium infection, anaemia, microcytic anaemia, anisocytosis and stunting were prevalent in 36.0, 72.8, 30.1, 54.1 and 29.0% of the children, respectively. The ≤ 24 months children were more moderately stunted (14.7%), with higher prevalence of microcytic anaemia (38.8%) and anisocytosis (68.8%) (P < 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively) when compared with the older children. The mean Hb level in the study population was 10.04 g/dL with children ≤ 24 months having the least mean haemoglobin level (9.69 g/dL) when compared with their older counterparts at P < 0.001. The odds of having anisocytosis were highest among children who were malnourished (OR = 4.66, P = 0.005), those infected with malaria parasites (OR = 1.85, P = 0.007), and whose parents had a primary (OR = 3.51, P = 0.002) and secondary levels of education (OR = 2.69, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION Malaria, anaemia, anisocytosis and undernutrition still remain severe public health concerns among children ≤ 60 months in the Mount Cameroon area. This therefore emphasizes the need for the implementation of consistent policies, programmes and activities to avoid malaria, anaemia, anisocytosis and stunting in the paediatric age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Ning Teh
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Gillian Asoba Nkeudem
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | | | - Sharon Odmia Sama
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Samuel Metuge
- 3Deprtment of Health Sciences, Biaka University Institute, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Helen Kuokuo Kimbi
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon ,grid.449799.e0000 0004 4684 0857Department of Medical Biomedical Sciences, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon ,grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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Pincelli A, Cardoso MA, Malta MB, Nicolete VC, Soares IS, Castro MC, Ferreira MU; MINA-Brazil Study Working Group. Prolonged Breastfeeding and the Risk of Plasmodium vivax Infection and Clinical Malaria in Early Childhood: A Birth Cohort Study. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:793-9. [PMID: 35763695 DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relatively few Amazonian infants have clinical malaria diagnosed, treated and notified before their first birthday, either because they are little exposed to an infection or remain asymptomatic once infected. Here we measure the proportion of children who have experienced Plasmodium vivax infection and malaria by 2 years of age in the main transmission hotspot of Amazonian Brazil. METHODS We measured IgG antibodies to 3 blood-stage P. vivax antigens at the 1- and 2-year follow-up assessment of 435 participants in a population-based birth cohort. Children's malaria case notifications were retrieved from the electronic database of the Ministry of Health. We used multiple Poisson regression models to identify predictors of serologically proven P. vivax infection and clinical vivax malaria during the first 2 years of life. RESULTS Overall, 23 [5.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-7.8%) children had antibodies to ≥2 antigens detected during at least one follow-up assessment, consistent with past P. vivax infection(s). Fifteen (3.4%; 95% CI: 2.1-5.6%) children had clinical vivax episodes notified during the first 2 years of life; 7 of them were seronegative. We estimate that half of the infections remained unnotified. Children born to women who experienced P. vivax infection during pregnancy were more likely to be infected and develop clinical vivax malaria, while those breast-fed for ≥12 months had their risk of being P. vivax -seropositive (which we take as evidence of blood-stage P. vivax infection during the first 2 years of life) decreased by 79.8% (95% CI: 69.3-86.7%). CONCLUSION P. vivax infections in early childhood are underreported in the Amazon, are associated with anemia at 2 years of age, and appear to be partially prevented by prolonged breastfeeding.
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Appiah PK, Amu H, Osei E, Konlan KD, Mumuni IH, Verner ON, Maalman RSE, Kim E, Kim S, Bukari M, Jung H, Kofie P, Ayanore MA, Amenuvegbe GK, Adjuik M, Tarkang EE, Alhassan RK, Donkor ES, Zotor FB, Kweku M, Amuna P, Gyapong JO, Kim SY. Breastfeeding and weaning practices among mothers in Ghana: A population-based cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259442. [PMID: 34767566 PMCID: PMC8589154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children need good nutrition to develop proper immune mechanisms and psychosocial maturity, but malnutrition can affect their ability to realize this. Apart from the national demographic and health survey, which is carried out every 5 years, there have not been enough documented studies on child breastfeeding and weaning practices of caregivers in the Volta Region. We, therefore, examined child breastfeeding and weaning practices of mothers in the Volta Region of Ghana. METHODS A sub-national survey method was adopted and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 396 mothers and their children. Descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, chi-square, and logistic regression were employed in analysing the data. We defined exclusive breastfeeding as given only breast milk to an infant from a mother or a wet nurse for six months of life except drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, minerals, supplements, or medicines on medical advice, and prolonged breastfeeding as breastfeeding up to 24 months of age. RESULTS The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 43.7%. Mothers constituting 61.1% started breastfeeding within an hour of giving birth. In addition to breast milk, 5.1% gave fluids to their children on the first day of birth. About 66.4% started complementary feeding at 6 months, 22.0% breastfed for 24 months or beyond, while 40.4% fed their children on-demand. Child's age (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI:0.12-0.43, p<0.0001), prolonged breastfeeding (AOR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.12-0.87, p = 0.001), mother's religion (AOR: 3.92, 95%CI: 1.23-12.61, p = 0.021), feeding practices counselled on (AOR: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.96-3.09, p = 0.023), mother ever heard about EBF (AOR: 0.43, 95%CI: 1.45-2.41, p = 0.039), child being fed from the bottle with a nipple (AOR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.94-2.48, p = 0.003), and age at which complementary feeding was started (AOR: 17.43, 95%CI: 3.47-87.55, p = 0.008) were statistically associated with EBF. CONCLUSION Breastfeeding education has been ongoing for decades, yet there are still gaps in the breastfeeding practices of mothers. To accelerate progress towards attainment of the sustainable development goal 3 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages by the year 2030, we recommend innovative policies that include extensive public education to improve upon the breastfeeding and weaning practices of mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Kubi Appiah
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
- Department of Medical Law and Ethics, Asian Institute for Bioethics and Health Law, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Hubert Amu
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Eric Osei
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kennedy Diema Konlan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- College of Nursing, Yonsei Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Iddris Hadiru Mumuni
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | | | | | - Eunji Kim
- Korea Foundation for International Healthcare Ghana Office, Accra, Ghana
| | - Siwoo Kim
- Department of Medical Law and Ethics, Asian Institute for Bioethics and Health Law, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammed Bukari
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Hajun Jung
- Department of Medical Law and Ethics, Asian Institute for Bioethics and Health Law, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Philip Kofie
- Yonsei University - University of Health and Allied Sciences Partnership Project Office, Ho, Ghana
| | | | | | - Martin Adjuik
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | | | - Robert Kaba Alhassan
- Directorate of International Affairs, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | | | - Francis Bruno Zotor
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Margaret Kweku
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Paul Amuna
- School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - John Owusu Gyapong
- Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - So Yoon Kim
- Department of Medical Law and Ethics, Asian Institute for Bioethics and Health Law, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Sumbele IUN, Teh RN, Nkeudem GA, Sandie SM, Moyeh MN, Shey RA, Shintouo CM, Ghogomu SM, Batiha GES, Alkazmi L, Kimbi HK. Asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infection in children in the Mount Cameroon area: a cross-sectional study on altitudinal influence, haematological parameters and risk factors. Malar J 2021; 20:382. [PMID: 34565353 PMCID: PMC8474836 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Mount Cameroon area has experienced a 57.2% decline in confirmed malaria cases between 2006 and 2013 with the implementation of different control measures but, the disease is still of public health concern. The objective of the study was to assess the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection, altitudinal influence on it, their effect on haematological parameters as well as identify the risk factors of infection. Methodology A cross-sectional community-based survey involving 1319 children of both sexes aged 6 months to 14 years was conducted between July 2017 and May 2018. Malaria parasitaemia was confirmed by Giemsa-stained microscopy, sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection by 18S mRNA using nested PCR and full blood count analysis was done using an auto haematology analyser. Results Malaria parasite, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection and anaemia were prevalent in 36.4%, 34.0%, 43.8% and 62.3% of the children, respectively. The risk of having sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection was highest in children 5‒9 (OR = 3.13, P < 0.001) and 10‒14 years of age (OR = 8.18, P < 0.001), non-insecticide treated net users (OR = 1.69, P < 0.04) and those anaemic (OR = 9.01, P < 0.001). Children with sub-microscopic infection had a significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.86 ± 1.7 g/dL, P < 0.001), red blood cell counts (4.48 ± 1.1 × 1012/L, P < 0.001), haematocrit (31.92%, P < 0.001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (313.25 ± 47.36, P = 0.035) and platelet counts (280.83 ± 112.62, P < 0.001) than their negative counterparts. Children < 5 years old (73.8%), having asymptomatic (69.8%) and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection (78.3%) as well as resident in the middle belt (72.7%) had a higher prevalence of anaemia than their peers. Conclusion The meaningful individual-level heterogeneity in the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection in addition to its corollary on haematological variables among children in the different attitudinal sites of the Mount Cameroon Region accentuate the need for strategic context specific planning of malaria control and preventative measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03916-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Rene Ning Teh
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers' Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | - Gillian Asoba Nkeudem
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers' Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | | | - Marcel Nyuylam Moyeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Luay Alkazmi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Helen Kuokuo Kimbi
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
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Obasohan PE, Walters SJ, Jacques R, Khatab K. A Scoping Review of Selected Studies on Predictor Variables Associated with the Malaria Status among Children under Five Years in Sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:2119. [PMID: 33671594 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background/Purpose: In recent times, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) had been rated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most malaria-endemic region in the world. Evidence synthesis of the factors associated with malaria among children aged under-five in SSA is urgently needed. This would help to inform decisions that policymakers and executors in the region need to make for the effective distribution of scarce palliative resources to curb the spread of the illness. This scoping review is aimed at identifying studies that have used multivariate classical regression analysis to determine the predictors associated with malaria among children under five years old in SSA. Methods/Design: The search terms followed population, intervention, comparator, outcome, timing, setting (PICOTS), and were used in searching through the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Measure DHS. The databases were searched for published articles from January 1990 to December 2020. Results: Among the 1154 studies identified, only thirteen (13) studies met the study’s inclusion criteria. Narrative syntheses were performed on the selected papers to synchronize the various predictors identified. Factors ranging from child-related (age, birth order and use of a bed net), parental/household-related (maternal age and education status, household wealth index) and community-related variables (community wealth status, free bed net distribution) were some of the identified significant predictors. Conclusions: It is timely to have a synthesis of predictors that influence the malaria status of children under-five in SSA. The outcome of the review will increase the knowledge of the epidemiology of morbidity that will form the basis for designing efficient and cost-effective distribution of palliatives and control of malaria in SSA.
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Sumbele IUN, Asoba GN, Teh RN, Metuge S, Anchang-Kimbi JK, Nkuo-Akenji T. Burden of moderate to severe anaemia and severe stunting in children < 3 years in conflict-hit Mount Cameroon: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:396. [PMID: 32838765 PMCID: PMC7445924 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Armed conflict is a significant social determinant of child health with nuanced effects. There is a dearth of knowledge on the public health issues facing vulnerable populations in conflict-stricken areas. The objective was to determine the prevalence and determinants of moderate to severe anaemia (MdSA) and severe stunting (SS) in children ≤3 years in conflict-hit Dibanda, Ekona and Muea in the Mount Cameroon area. METHODS Haematological parameters were obtained using an automated haematology analyser while undernutrition indices standard deviation (SD) scores (z- scores), were computed based on the WHO growth reference curves for 649 children in a community based cross-sectional study in 2018. Binomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate the determinants of MdSA and SS against a set of predictor variables. RESULTS Anaemia was prevalent in 84.0% (545) of the children with a majority having microcytic anaemia (59.3%). The prevalence of MdSA was 56.1% (364). Educational level of parents/caregiver (P < 0.001) and site (P = 0.043) had a significant negative effect on the occurrence of MdSA. Stunting, underweight and wasting occurred in 31.3, 13.1 and 6.3% of the children, respectively. Overall, SS was prevalent in 17.1% (111) of the children. The age groups (0.1-1.0 year, P = 0.042 and 1.1-2.0 years, P = 0.008), educational levels (no formal education, P < 0.001 and primary education P = 0.028) and SS (P = 0.035) were significant determinants of MdSA while MdSA (P = 0.035) was the only significant determinant of SS. On the contrary, age group 0.1-1 year (OR = 0.56, P = 0.043) and site (Dibanda, OR = 0.29, P = 0.001) demonstrated a significant protective effect against SS. CONCLUSIONS Moderate to severe anaemia, severe stunting and wasting especially in children not breastfed at all are public health challenges in the conflict-hit area. There is a need for targeted intervention to control anaemia as well as increased awareness of exclusive breast feeding in conflict-hit areas to limit the burden of wasting and stunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York USA
| | - Gillian Nkeudem Asoba
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | - Rene Ning Teh
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York USA
| | - Samuel Metuge
- Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | | | - Theresa Nkuo-Akenji
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, SW Region Cameroon
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Lee MK, Binns C. Breastfeeding and the Risk of Infant Illness in Asia: A Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 17:E186. [PMID: 31888064 PMCID: PMC6981475 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infancy remains the most vulnerable period of human life for death, illness, and establishing a lifetime trajectory of growth and health. It is estimated that there are 5.3 million deaths under five years of age worldwide and approximately 800,000 lives could be saved by improving breastfeeding rates and duration. In Asia, an estimated 300,000-350,000 child deaths could be prevented with optimal breastfeeding and the majority would be under 12 months of age. We present a systematic review of studies of infection and breastfeeding in infants in Asia and further review interactions of selected infectious diseases and breastfeeding. Initially, 2459 records of possible interest were identified, 153 full text papers were reviewed in detail, and 13 papers describing diarrhoeal disease and/or acute respiratory tract infection were selected for inclusion in the review. Additional papers were selected to discuss specific diseases and their relationship to breastfeeding. The review found that a variety of methods were used with differing definitions of breastfeeding and diseases. Overall, breastfeeding when compared to the use of infant formula, is associated with significantly lower rates of diarrhoeal disease and lower respiratory tract infection, with a reduction of 50% or more to be expected, especially in infants under six months of age. The relationship between breastfeeding and specific diseases including measles and HTLV1 were reviewed. Breastfeeding reduces some disease rates, but there remain a few conditions where breastfeeding may be contra-indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Kyung Lee
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Colin Binns
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
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