A Study of Malaria-Related Pediatrics Morbidity and Mortality in India
Authors/Creators
- 1. Senior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar, India
- 2. Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar, India
Description
Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly affecting pediatric populations in endemic regions. Despite efforts to reduce malaria incidence, the disease continues to disproportionately impact children under five, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. This study aims to evaluate malaria-related pediatric morbidity and mortality in India, focusing on socio-economic and nutritional factors contributing to adverse outcomes. Methods: The study included 80 pediatric patients diagnosed with malaria. Data were collected through medical record reviews and interviews with parents or guardians. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of morbidity and mortality. Results: The majority of patients were aged 1-5 years (37.5%) and predominantly male (56.3%). Most came from low socio-economic backgrounds (68.7%) and a significant portion were underweight (37.5%). Complications were observed in 37.5% of the patients, with severe anemia being the most common (25%). The mortality rate was 10%, predominantly affecting the 1-5 year age group (37.5%) and males (62.5%). Socio-economic status and nutritional status were significantly associated with complications (p=0.02) and mortality (p=0.03), respectively. Logistic regression identified low socio-economic status (OR=2.5, p=0.04) and underweight status (OR=3.0, p=0.02) as significant predictors of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Malaria-related morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients in India are influenced by socio-economic and nutritional factors. Targeted interventions addressing these disparities are crucial for reducing the disease burden. Recommendations: Efforts should focus on improving socio-economic conditions, enhancing nutritional support, and ensuring effective malaria prevention and treatment strategies. Community-based programs and healthcare access improvements are essential for mitigating the impact of malaria on vulnerable pediatric populations.
Abstract (English)
Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly affecting pediatric populations in endemic regions. Despite efforts to reduce malaria incidence, the disease continues to disproportionately impact children under five, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. This study aims to evaluate malaria-related pediatric morbidity and mortality in India, focusing on socio-economic and nutritional factors contributing to adverse outcomes. Methods: The study included 80 pediatric patients diagnosed with malaria. Data were collected through medical record reviews and interviews with parents or guardians. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of morbidity and mortality. Results: The majority of patients were aged 1-5 years (37.5%) and predominantly male (56.3%). Most came from low socio-economic backgrounds (68.7%) and a significant portion were underweight (37.5%). Complications were observed in 37.5% of the patients, with severe anemia being the most common (25%). The mortality rate was 10%, predominantly affecting the 1-5 year age group (37.5%) and males (62.5%). Socio-economic status and nutritional status were significantly associated with complications (p=0.02) and mortality (p=0.03), respectively. Logistic regression identified low socio-economic status (OR=2.5, p=0.04) and underweight status (OR=3.0, p=0.02) as significant predictors of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Malaria-related morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients in India are influenced by socio-economic and nutritional factors. Targeted interventions addressing these disparities are crucial for reducing the disease burden. Recommendations: Efforts should focus on improving socio-economic conditions, enhancing nutritional support, and ensuring effective malaria prevention and treatment strategies. Community-based programs and healthcare access improvements are essential for mitigating the impact of malaria on vulnerable pediatric populations.
Files
IJPCR,Vol16,Issue5,Article411.pdf
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(287.6 kB)
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Additional details
Dates
- Accepted
-
2024-05-15
Software
- Repository URL
- https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPCR/16/IJPCR,Vol16,Issue5,Article411.pdf
- Development Status
- Active
References
- 1. World Health Organization (WHO). World Malaria Report 2019. Geneva: WHO; 2019. 2. World Health Organization (WHO). World Malaria Report 2021. Geneva: WHO; 2021. 3. Sharma RK, Singh MP, Saha KB, Bharti PK, Nanda N. Socio-economic determinants of malaria in India. J Vector Borne Dis. 2020;57(2): 147-155. 4. Singh N, Shukla MM, Shukla M. Epidemiology of malaria in India. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2018;8(1):1-7. 5. Dash A, Jhajra S, Nanda D, Mohanty J. Clinical presentation and predictors of mortality in severe malaria in pediatric population: A prospective observational study. Int J Paediatr Geriatr. 2019. 6. Goswami P, Pathak G, Chauhan A. Study on clinical presentation of malaria and response to antimalarial treatment in children less than twelve years. Int J Contemp Pediatr. 2023. 7. Hassan N, Chalotra S, Aneja S. Clinicohematological manifestations of malaria in children in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J Contemp Pediatr. 2018; 5:1904. 8. Singh G, Raksha, Urhekar AD. Morbidity and mortality associated with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infection in a tertiary care hospital in Navi Mumbai, India. Era J Med Res. 2019. 9. Krishna P, Kumar H. Clinico-epidemiological profile of malaria cases admitted in a tertiary care hospital, in South India. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2019.