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Malaria Journal
Published in: Malaria Journal 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

Exploring the relationship between chronic undernutrition and asymptomatic malaria in Ghanaian children

Authors: Benjamin T Crookston, Stephen C Alder, Isaac Boakye, Ray M Merrill, John H Amuasi, Christina A Porucznik, Joseph B Stanford, Ty T Dickerson, Kirk A Dearden, DeVon C Hale, Justice Sylverken, Bryce S Snow, Alex Osei-Akoto, Daniel Ansong

Published in: Malaria Journal | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

A moderate association has been found between asymptomatic parasitaemia and undernutrition. However, additional investigation using the gold standard for asymptomatic parasitaemia confirmation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), is needed to validate this association. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples from children less than five years of age in a rural Ghanaian community were used to determine if an association exists between chronic undernutrition and PCR-confirmed cases of asymptomatic malaria.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 214 children less than five years of age from a community near Kumasi, Ghana. Blood samples and anthropometric measurements from these children were collected during physical examinations conducted in January 2007 by partners of the Barekuma Collaborative Community Development Programme.

Results

Findings from the logistic model predicting the odds of asymptomatic malaria indicate that children who experienced mild, moderate or severe stunting were not more likely to have asymptomatic malaria than children who were not stunted. Children experiencing anaemia had an increased likelihood (OR = 4.15; 95% CI: 1.92, 8.98) of asymptomatic malaria. Similarly, increased spleen size, which was measured by ultrasound, was also associated with asymptomatic malaria (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.44, 3.28). Fast breathing, sex of the child, and age of the child were not significantly associated with the asymptomatic malaria.

Conclusions

No significant association between chronic undernutrition and presence of asymptomatic malaria was found. Children who experience anaemia and children who have splenomegaly are more likely to present asymptomatic malaria. Programmes aimed at addressing malaria should continue to include nutritional components, especially components that address anaemia.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Exploring the relationship between chronic undernutrition and asymptomatic malaria in Ghanaian children
Authors
Benjamin T Crookston
Stephen C Alder
Isaac Boakye
Ray M Merrill
John H Amuasi
Christina A Porucznik
Joseph B Stanford
Ty T Dickerson
Kirk A Dearden
DeVon C Hale
Justice Sylverken
Bryce S Snow
Alex Osei-Akoto
Daniel Ansong
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Malaria Journal / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-9-39

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