The Practice of Jhum Cultivation and its Relationship to Plasmodium falciparum Infection in the Chittagong Hill Districts of Bangladesh

• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0592
• Publication Date: 2014-05-13T08:25:48Z
• Authors: Sean R. Galagan; Chai Shwai Prue; Jacob Khyang; Wasif Ali Khan; Sabeena Ahmed; Malathi Ram; Mohammad Shafiul ...; M. Zahirul Haq; Jasmin Akter; Peter Kim Streatf...; Gregory Glass; Douglas E. Norris; Myaing Myaing Nyunt; Timothy Shields; David J. Sullivan; David A. Sack
• Keywords: Male; Rural Population; 2. Zero hunger; Bangladesh; Adolescent; Endemic Diseases; Plasmodium falciparum; Infant; Agriculture; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; Child, Preschool; Surveys and Questionnaires; Epidemiological Monitoring; Humans; Female; Malaria, Falciparum; Child

Malaria is endemic in the Chittagong Hill Districts of southeastern Bangladesh. Previous epidemiological analyses identified agricultural practice jhum cultivation as a potential risk factor for malaria infection. We conducted qualitative interviews with cultivators and surveillance workers to describe used demographic two study unions from May 2010 August 2012 better understand relationship between Qualitative revealed that on remote, steep hillsides by ethnic tribal groups. Quantitative found adult individuals who live same residence had significantly higher incidence rates symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection compared non-cultivators. These results confirm an independent underscore need testing treatment services reach remote populations Districts.