Prevalence and associated risk factors of asymptomatic malaria and anaemia among school-aged children in Dara Mallo and Uba Debretsehay districts: results from baseline cluster randomized trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03937-2
• Publication Date: 2021-10-13T06:31:33Z
• Authors: Zerihun Zerdo; Hilde Bastiaens; Sibyl Anthierens; Fekadu Massebo; Matewos Masne; Gelila Biresaw; Misgun Shewangizaw; Abayneh Tunje; Yilma Chisha; Tsegaye Yohannes; Jean-Pierre Van G...
• Keywords: Tropical Medicine

Despite the growing evidence that malaria and anaemia are two interlinked health problems of school-aged children (SAC) in developing countries, there is scarce information about among SAC Ethiopia. Moreover, anaemia-related studies were more concentrated easily accessible areas. This study aimed to assess prevalence corresponding risk factors Dara Mallo Uba Debretshay districts, hard reach areas, so as inform appropriate integrated interventions for both diseases. was part baseline data collected a cluster-randomized trial registered Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202001837195738). Data from 2167 their households through face-to-face interview; diagnosed by using rapid diagnostic test (RDT); haemoglobin concentration determined hemoCue hb 301 adjusted altitude determine anaemic status; helminth infections kato-katz, anthropometric measurements made nutritional status children. Generalized mixed effects logistic regression model used association between predictor variables school random variable. The overall 1.62% (95% CI 1.15-2.27%) (35/2167). Of 35 positive malaria, 20 (57.14%), 3 (8.57%) 12 (34.29%) due Plasmodium falciparum, vivax P. falciparum vivax, respectively. Malaria significantly lower literate household head (Adjusted OR = 0.38; 95% 0.15-0.95) residence house located at an range above 1100 masl (AOR 0.40; 0.17-0.94). 22.00% 20.3-23.8%) (477/2167) reduced eating legumes, nuts or seed group food 24-h dietary diversity recall 0.64; 0.41-0.99). low unevenly distributed per while moderate. It important implement targeting anaemia, with special emphasis given illiterate living below masl. micronutrient content locally grown legumes should be further investigated recommend specific overcome anaemia.