Socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with mortality in Malaria induced anaemia among under-five children in Benin city, Nigeria.
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Date
2015-01
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Abstract
Background: Children under the age of five years bear the brunt of malaria infection. Malaria
induced anaemia (MIA) is the most prevalent presentation of malaria and a major cause of
morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Objective: To determine the socioeconomic and cultural
factors associated with mortality in under-five children presenting with malaria induced
anaemia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the Children
Emergency Room of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Questionnaires which were researcher-administered were used to collect information on the
child’s age, gender, parents’ or caregiver’s education, occupation, recognition of symptoms of
malaria and anaemia, cultural practices during child’s illness and patients’ outcome. Results:
The case fatality rate was 3.1%. Poor parental education, low social class and lack of skilled
job amongst the parents were associated with high mortality. Other factors associated with
mortality include high patronage of chemists and prayer houses as well as poor recognition of
pallor by mothers. Conclusion/Recommendations: Improvement in socioeconomic status
especially female education and empowerment is again emphasized. This and other
socioeconomic boost should be targeted alongside malaria-control programmes in order to
reduce mortality associated with malaria induced anaemia. Parental enlightenment on
recognition of symptoms of malaria and anaemia will improve their health-seeking behaviour,
promote early diagnosis and prompt institution of effective antimalarial therapy.
Description
Keywords
malaria, anaemia, under-fives, mortality, socioeconomic and cultural factors
Citation
Abhulimhen-Iyoha B I, Israel-Aina Y T. Socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with mortality in Malaria induced anaemia among under-five children in Benin city, Nigeria. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science. 2015; 14(1): 32-38.