Dietary micronutrients intake and its effect on haemoglobin levels of pregnant women for clinic visit in the Mount Cameroon health area: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Nutritional deficiencies and its consequences such as anaemia are frequent among pregnant women residing in under resource settings. Hence, this study sought to investigate specific dietary micronutrient inadequacy and its effect on maternal haemoglobin levels. Methods: This institution based cross-sectional survey enrolled 1,014 consenting pregnant women consecutively. Data on socio-demographic, economic and antenatal characteristics were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) was assessed using the 24-h recall method and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration (g/dL) determined using a portable Hb metre. Significant levels between associations was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among those enrolled, 40.9% were anaemic while 89.6% had inadequate dietary nutrient intake. In addition, uptake of blood supplements, haem iron, plant and animal-based foods rich in vitamin A were 71.5, 86.2, 35.5 and 12.6%, respectively. Moreover, anaemia prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in women who took iron-folic acid along with food groups rich in haem iron (38.5%) or both plant and animal vitamin A (29.0%). Besides, mean maternal Hb levels was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in women who consumed haem iron (11.08 ± 1.35) and vitamin A food groups (11.34 ± 1.30) when compared with their counterparts who did not consume haem iron (10.54 ± 1.19) and vitamin A food groups (10.74 ± 1.31). Conclusion: Dietary uptake of foods rich in haem-iron and vitamin A significantly improves Hb levels in Cameroonian pregnant women. Our findings underscore the importance of improving maternal nutritional awareness and counselling during antenatal period to reduce the anaemia burden.

Association between malaria and undernutrition among pregnant women at presentation for antenatal care in health facilities in the Mount Cameroon region.

In resource limited settings, malaria and undernutrition are major public health problems in pregnancy. Therefore, this study assessed the association between malaria infection and undernutrition among pregnant women in the Mount Cameroon area. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1,014 pregnant women consecutively over a year. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and clinical data. Maternal nutrition was assessed using dietary diversity (DD). Peripheral blood samples collected were used for the diagnosis of malaria parasitaemia by microscopy whereas haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined using an Hb meter. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with malaria and dietary diversity. The prevalence of malaria infection and undernutrition was 17.8% and 89.6% respectively. In addition, of those infected with malaria, geometric mean parasite density was 301/µL of blood (range: 40-9280) while mean DD score was 3.57±0.82 (range: 1-7). The odds of being infected with malaria parasitaemia was highest among women enrolled in the rainy season (OR = 1.58, P = 0.043), who were farmers (OR = 2.3, P = 0.030), had a household size of < 4 individuals (OR = 1.48, P = 0.026) and who were febrile (OR = 1.87, P < 0.001). Also, attending clinic visits in Mutengene Medical Centre (OR = 2.0, P = 0.012) or Buea Integrated Health Centre (OR = 2.9, P = < 0.001), being < 25 years (OR = 2.4, P = 0.002) and a farmer (OR = 10.6, P = 0.024) as well as < 4 clinic visits (OR = 1.62, P = 0.039) were identified as predictors of undernutrition. Furthermore, the association between malaria and DD was statistically significant (P = 0.015). In this study, undernutrition was highly frequent than malaria infection. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve maternal awareness through nutritional counselling and health campaigns on the benefits of consuming at least five food groups. Besides, improved maternal dietary nutrient intake is likely to have impact on the burden of malaria parasite infection.

Seasonal and environmental dynamics of intra-urban freshwater habitats and their influence on the abundance of Bulinus snail host of Schistosoma haematobium in the Tiko endemic focus, Mount Cameroon region.

Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in the South West Region of Cameroon. An understanding of the abundance and distribution of the Bulinus snail, intermediate host can inform strategic snail control programmes at a local scale. This study investigated seasonal dynamics and environmental factors influencing occurrence and abundance of freshwater snail intermediate hosts in Tiko, a semi-urban endemic focus in the Mount Cameroon area. A longitudinal malacological field survey was conducted between December 2019 and December 2020 in the Tiko municipality. Snails were collected for one year monthly at 12 different human water contact sites along a stretch of the Ndongo stream using a standardized sampling technique. Freshwater snails were identified using shell morphological features. In addition, water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solutes, salinity, water depth, width and flow velocity were measured, and vegetation cover as well as substrate type were determined. Bayesian regression models were used to identify the main environmental factors affecting the occurrence and abundance of Bulinus intermediate host. In total, 2129 fresh water snails were collected during the study period. Physa (51.4%) was the most abundant genus followed by Melanoides (28.6%) then, Bulinus (15.5%), Lymnaea (4.2%), Indoplanorbis (0.2%) and Potadoma (0.1%). Seasonality in abundance was significant in Bulinus sp as well as other genera, with greater numbers in the dry season (peaks between December and February). Water temperature, a rocky or sandy substrate type associated positively with Bulinus sp, meanwhile a higher water flow rate and medium vegetation negatively influenced the snail intermediate host population. These findings underscore the importance of timing behavioural and snail control interventions against schistosomiasis as well as increase vigilance of other trematode diseases in the study area. The continuous spread of planorbid snail hosts is a major concern.

Distribution and factors associated with urogenital schistosomiasis in the Tiko Health District, a semi-urban setting, South West Region, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Increased risk of schistosomiasis in peri-urban and urban towns is not uncommon. An epidemiological survey was carried out in the Tiko Health District (THD), an unmapped transmission focus for urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), to assess the distribution, intensity, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of UGS. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, 12 communities were purposively selected from four health areas (HAs) (Likomba, Holforth, Holforth-Likomba, and Mutengene) in South West Region of Cameroon between June and August 2018. Consenting individuals were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to document information on socio-demographic and water contact behaviour. Urine samples were examined for Schistosoma haematobium infection using test strip, filtration, and microscopy methods. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of infection. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of UGS in Likomba, Holforth-Likomba and Holforth was 31.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.3-34.8] with geometric mean (GM) egg count of 28.7 (range: 2-450) eggs per 10 ml of urine. S. haematobium infection was not found in Mutengene HA. Infection was unevenly distributed among the HAs, Holforth-Likomba and Holforth being the most and least affected, respectively. The prevalence of infection varied (P < 0.001) among the affected communities, ranging from 12.0 to 56.9%. Infection status of the community related positively (P < 0.001) with proximity to stream (< 100 m), the degree of contact with water and number of improved water sources. Younger age group (5-14 years) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1-12.2] and intense water contact (degree II) (aOR: 5.2, 95% CI: 3.4-8.1) were associated with increased risk of infection. Similarly, significantly higher egg load was observed among younger aged groups (P = 0.02) and those who carried out intense water contact activities (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, THD is a moderate risk endemic focus for UGS but prevalence higher than 50.0% was observed in some communities. These findings warrant immediate mass chemotherapy with praziquantel to reduce morbidity. Provision of portable water and health education are proposed measures to reduce and eventually eliminate transmission in the area.

The epidemiological status of urogenital schistosomiasis among reproductive aged individuals in the Tiko Health Area- a semi-urban setting in the Mount Cameroon area.

BACKGROUND: Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by S. haematobium has enormous reproductive health consequences including infertility. Reproductive aged individuals are a neglected group and not included in control programs in Cameroon. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of S. haematobium infection in the context of gender and socio-economic structures that shape behaviour among reproductive aged individuals living in Tiko, a semi-urban setting, Cameroon. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Tiko Health District (THD) between May to September 2019. Consenting individuals were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to document data on socio-demographic and stream contact behaviour. A urine sample was collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium ova using reagent strips, filtration and microscopy. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 22.8% (95% CL: 19.27-26.73) with geometric mean egg load of 18.74 (range: 1-1600) per 10ml of urine. Younger age group (15 - 20years) (OR: 5.13; 95% CL: 1.35-19.42), male (OR: 2.60 3.07; 95% CL: 1.54-4.40) and awareness of UGS (OR: 1.73; 95% CL: 1.02-2.95) were associated with higher odds of exposure to infection. Significantly higher intensity of infection was seen in males, singles and in the age group 15-30 years. It is worth noting that males carried out more activities which entailed longer duration in streams. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence obtained shows that Tiko is a moderate-risk area for UGS with underlying morbidity-inducing infection intensity. The severity of the infection is more in males. Awareness of the disease is not enough to protect these communities from infection, but provision of public infrastructures and health education will limit contact with infested water and thus curtail the infection. There is an urgent need to involve all age groups in control programs.

Burden of moderate to severe anaemia and severe stunting in children < 3 years in conflict-hit Mount Cameroon: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Armed conflict is a significant social determinant of child health with nuanced effects. There is a dearth of knowledge on the public health issues facing vulnerable populations in conflict-stricken areas. The objective was to determine the prevalence and determinants of moderate to severe anaemia (MdSA) and severe stunting (SS) in children ≤3 years in conflict-hit Dibanda, Ekona and Muea in the Mount Cameroon area. METHODS: Haematological parameters were obtained using an automated haematology analyser while undernutrition indices standard deviation (SD) scores (z- scores), were computed based on the WHO growth reference curves for 649 children in a community based cross-sectional study in 2018. Binomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate the determinants of MdSA and SS against a set of predictor variables. RESULTS: Anaemia was prevalent in 84.0% (545) of the children with a majority having microcytic anaemia (59.3%). The prevalence of MdSA was 56.1% (364). Educational level of parents/caregiver (P <  0.001) and site (P = 0.043) had a significant negative effect on the occurrence of MdSA. Stunting, underweight and wasting occurred in 31.3, 13.1 and 6.3% of the children, respectively. Overall, SS was prevalent in 17.1% (111) of the children. The age groups (0.1-1.0 year, P = 0.042 and 1.1-2.0 years, P = 0.008), educational levels (no formal education, P <  0.001 and primary education P = 0.028) and SS (P = 0.035) were significant determinants of MdSA while MdSA (P = 0.035) was the only significant determinant of SS. On the contrary, age group 0.1-1 year (OR = 0.56, P = 0.043) and site (Dibanda, OR = 0.29, P = 0.001) demonstrated a significant protective effect against SS. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to severe anaemia, severe stunting and wasting especially in children not breastfed at all are public health challenges in the conflict-hit area. There is a need for targeted intervention to control anaemia as well as increased awareness of exclusive breast feeding in conflict-hit areas to limit the burden of wasting and stunting.

Influence of malaria, soil-transmitted helminths and malnutrition on haemoglobin level among school-aged children in Muyuka, Southwest Cameroon: A cross-sectional study on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The health of school-aged children (SAC) is often compromised by malaria parasitaemia (MP), soil-transmitted helminths (STH), and malnutrition in the tropics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and influence of MP, STH and malnutrition on haemoglobin (Hb) levels as well as identify its predictors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in SAC (4-14 years) in Owe, Mpundu and Meanja villages in Muyuka, Southwest Cameroon. Hb concentration was measured using a URIT-12 Hb meter while MP and STH were determined by Giemsa staining of blood films and Kato-Katz technique respectively. Anthropometric measures (weight, height and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC)) of malnutrition (z-scores of <-2 standard deviations below mean) were obtained by standard methods. Categorical and continuous variables were compared appropriately, and multiple linear regression model was used to determine predictors of Hb level. RESULTS: The prevalence of MP, STH, anaemia and malnutrition in the 401 SAC examined were 33.9%, 2.2%, 75.3% and 24.4% respectively. The prevalence of MP varied significantly with locality (P = 0.031). Stunting occurred commonly (23.7%) and was significantly higher in males (28.6%), children 11-14 years old (38.3%) and those of Meanja locality (47.4%) than their counterparts. Significantly higher prevalence of anaemia was observed in children of Meanja (89.5%) and those both MP positive and malnourished (86.2%). Moderate anaemia occurred commonly (60.6%) and children ≤6 years old had significantly (P = 0.034) higher prevalence (75.0%). Mean Hb level varied significantly (P = 0.004) with age and those ≤6 years old infected with MP had significantly (P = 0.022) lower values. Significant predictors of Hb levels were the MUAC (P <0.001) and the MP status (P = 0.035). Based on the Hb level (>11g/dL) and the absence of MP, STH and malnutrition, 13.7% of the SAC were considered as healthy. CONCLUSIONS: The health of a majority of SAC is compromised by malaria, helminthiasis, malnutrition and other conditions not investigated. Anaemia is of major public health concern hence, intervention programmes that integrate malaria control with improvement of educational levels especially on proper nutrition and health care practices are desirable.

Dietary Diversity and Its Contribution in the Etiology of Maternal Anemia in Conflict Hit Mount Cameroon Area: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In the Mount Cameroon area, maternal anemia remains a major public health concern. We hypothesized that nutrient inadequacy may account for the level of anemia in pregnancy. Thus, this study examined the relative effect of dietary diversity on maternal anemia in the study area. Methods: A total of 1,014 consenting pregnant women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Information on socio-demographic, antenatal characteristics, malaria and anemia control measures were documented. Dietary diversity (DD) was evaluated using the 24-h recall method and hemoglobin (Hb) levels (g/dl) measured using a portable Hb meter. Malaria parasitaemia was diagnosed by blood microscopy. Anemia status was trimester specific. Logistic regression analysis was used determine predictors of maternal anemia. Results: Among the pregnant women enrolled, the mean DD score was 3.5±0.8 SD and only 10.4% had adequate dietary diversity. Anemia prevalence was 40.9%. Majority of the women consumed starchy staples (99.3%) while least consumed foods were dairy (4.5%), eggs (8.3%), fruits and vegetable (vitamin A-rich) (8.6%). A significant lower prevalence of anemia was associated with intake of dairy (P < 0.001), animal protein (P = 0.006), vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables (P < 0.001). Furthermore, mean Hb levels were higher (P < 0.001) among women with diverse diets (12.39 ± 1.34) than in those with less diverse diets (10.85 ± 1.33). Predictors of anemia were as follows: study setting [Odd Ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.07-1.94], occupation (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.16-3.43), number of clinic visits (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.27-2.91), trimester of pregnancy (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.45-7.38), malaria parasitaemia (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.33-2.68), out of home eating (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.03-2.13), and DD (OR = 9.8, 95% CI: 4.56-20.80). The attributable risk of anemia due to dietary diversity was 82.9%. Conclusion: In the study area, DD is a major risk factor for maternal anemia. This finding underscores the importance of content specific nutrition education during clinic visits to improve intake of protein and iron-rich food in anemia prevention.

Evaluation of Urine Reagent Strip as a Tool for Routine Diagnosis of Maternal Urogenital Schistosomiasis at Antenatal Clinic Visit in Munyenge, South West Region, Cameroon.

Urine reagent strip used in detecting microhaematuria has been recommended in pregnancy for diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) during routine antenatal care (ANC). This study evaluated its sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values in the diagnosis of maternal UGS using filtration method as a reference test. We also assessed the variation in its performance in the diagnosis of UGS using multiple-sample collection. A total of 93 pregnant women reporting for first ANC clinic visit at any of the three functional health care centres (Munyenge Integrated Health Centre, Banga Annex Health Centre, and Trans African Health Centre) were enrolled and followed up for three consecutive monthly visits. Urine samples were observed microscopically for S. haematobium egg using urine filtration and screened for microhaematuria and proteinuria using urine reagent strips. Twenty-two (23.7%) out of the 93 women were diagnosed for UGS, all of whom showed S. haematobium egg excretion during all three visits. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the prevalence of S. haematobium infection and the prevalence of microhaematuria. The intensity of infection was significantly higher in microhaematuria-positive women compared with microhaematuria-negative cases. Sensitivity of reagent strip ranged from 54.5 to 59.1%, while specificity was above 98.0% (range: 98.6-100%). The measure of agreement between urine filtration and reagent strip method was substantial (0.61-0.8) irrespective of different sampling periods. Urine reagent strip is a moderately sensitive method in the detection of UGS and will most likely identify women with high egg load burden. Proper diagnosis of schistosomiasis during pregnancy is recommended.

Influence of infant feeding practices on the occurrence of malnutrition, malaria and anaemia in children ≤5 years in the Mount Cameroon area: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different infant feeding habits on the occurrence of malnutrition, Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia and anaemia in children ≤5 years in the Mount Cameroon area. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1227 children ≤5 years of age were recruited in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Socio demographic data and information on the different infant feeding habits was obtained by the use of semi-structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed by the use of anthropometric measurements. Plasmodium was detected by light microscopy and haemoglobin was measured by use of an auto-haematology analyser. Anaemia as well as its severity was classified based on WHO standards. The associations between variables were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) was 22.6%, mixed feeding (MF) was 60.1% and those not breastfed (NBF) at all was 17.3%. The prevalence of malnutrition, P. falciparum parasitaemia and anaemia was 32.6%, 30.4% and 77.3% respectively. Children who had EBF had significantly lower (P <0.001) prevalence of malaria parasite (16.2%) than those NBF at all (61.3%). The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher (P <0.001) in children who had MF (80.5%) while, severe and moderate anaemia was highest in those NBF at all (6.6%, 67.1% respectively; P = 0.029) than their counterparts. The significant predictors of anaemia were age group (P <0.001), marital status (P <0.001) and educational level of parent (P <0.001), that for malaria parasitaemia was infant feeding habit (MF: P< 0.001 and NBF: P <0.001) and malnutrition was age group (≤2 years: P <0.008 and 2.1-4.0 years: P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The infant feeding habit significantly influenced the occurrence of malaria parasite infection and not malnutrition and anaemia, hence EBF should be encouraged in malaria endemic zones.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with S. haematobium Egg Excretion during the Dry Season, Six Months following Mass Distribution of Praziquantel (PZQ) in 2017 in the Bafia Health Area, South West Region Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: A selective population mass drug administration of PZQ involving school-aged children was carried out in the Bafia Health Area in April 2017. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity, and factors associated with S. haematobium egg excretion in this foci during the dry season, six months after the chemotherapy campaign. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 1001 consenting individuals (aged 3-62 years) was carried out in three localities (Ikata, Bafia, and Munyenge) in the Bafia Health Area between November 2017 and January 2018. Information on sociodemographic, stream usage, and contact behaviour was documented. Schistosoma haematobium ova in urine were detected using membrane filtration technique. RESULTS: The prevalence of S. haematobium egg excretion was 8% with a higher level recorded in Munyenge (13.2%) than Ikata (7.5%) and Bafia (2.8%). The difference was significant (p < 0.001). Equally, Munyenge had the highest infection intensity (36.36 range: 2-200) when compared with Ikata (16.25 range: 2-57) and Bafia (8.0 range: 0-8). Although the age group (5-15 years) was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with more exposure to infested water, this group was less likely (OR: 0.42 95% CI: 0.19-0.91) associated with S. haematobium egg excretion. The risk of egg excretion increased by 4.79 times (95% CI: 2.20-10.41) and 3.68 times (95% CI: 1.59-8.54) among residents in Munyenge and Ikata, respectively. Similarly, frequency to the stream (> thrice/day) was significantly higher (χ 2 = 58.73; p < 0.001) in Munyenge. Frequent contact (three visits/day) with stream correlated with highest odds of egg excretion (OR: 8.43 95% CI: 3.71-19.13). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of S. haematobium egg excretion was low during the dry season. This was most likely attributed to the preventive campaign with PZQ and may parallel low transmission potentials in infested waters during this period.

Schistosoma haematobium infection status and its associated risk factors among pregnant women in Munyenge, South West Region, Cameroon following scale-up of communal piped water sources from 2014 to 2017: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In 2014, a study in Munyenge revealed a high prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) among pregnant women. This study investigated he prevalence and risk factors of UGS in pregnancy following scale-up of piped water sources from 2014 to 2017. Secondly, we compared stream usage, stream contact behaviour, infection rate and intensity with the findings of 2014. METHODS: Consenting pregnant women reporting for antenatal care (ANC) in the different health facilities were enrolled consecutively between November 2016 and January 2018. Information on age, gravidity status, residence, marital status, educational level, occupation, household water source, frequency of contact with water and stream activities were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Urine samples were examined for the presence of microhaematuria and S. haematobium ova using test strip and filtration/microscopy methods respectively. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses and relative risk reductions calculated. RESULTS: Of the 368 women enrolled, 22.3% (82) were diagnosed with UGS. Marital status (single) (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.04-4.79), primary - level of education (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.04-3.85) and domestic activity and bathing in the stream (aOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.83-6.01) increased risk of S. haematobium infection. Meanwhile, fewer visits (< 3 visits/week) to stream (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17-0.74) reduced exposure to infection. Piped water usage was associated with reduced stream usage and eliminated the risk of infection among women who used safe water only. Compared with the findings of 2014, stream usage (RRR = 23 95% CI: 19-28), frequency (≥ 3 visits) (RRR = 69 95% CI: 59-77) and intensity of contact with water (RRR = 37 95% CI = 22-49) has reduced. Similarly, we observed a decrease in infection rate (RRR = 52, 95% CI = 40-62) and prevalence of heavy egg intensity (RRR = 71, 95% CI = 53-81). CONCLUSION: Following increased piped water sources in Munyenge, S. haematobium infection has declined due to reduced stream contact. This has important implication in the control of UGS in pregnancy.

Malarial anaemia and anaemia severity in apparently healthy primary school children in urban and rural settings in the Mount Cameroon area: cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the relative importance of living in an urban versus rural setting and malaria in contributing to the public health problem of malarial anaemia (MA) and anaemia respectively in apparently healthy primary school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 727 school children aged between four and 15 years living in an urban (302) and rural (425) settings in the Mount Cameroon area. Blood sample collected from each child was used for the preparation of blood films for detection of malaria parasites and assessment of malaria parasite density as well as full blood count determination using an automated haematology analyzer. Based on haemoglobin (Hb) measurements, children with malaria parasitaemia were stratified into MA (Hb<11 g/dL); mild MA (Hb of 8-10.9 g/dL); moderate MA (Hb of 6.1-7.9 g/dL) and severe MA (Hb≤6 g/dL). Evaluation of potential determinants of MA and anaemia was performed by multinomial logistic-regression analysis and odds ratios used to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS: Out of the 727 children examined, 72 (9.9%) had MA. The prevalence of MA and anaemia were significantly higher (χ2 = 36.5, P <0.001; χ2 = 16.19, P <0.001 respectively) in children in the urban (17.9%; 26.8% respectively) than in the rural area (4.2%; 14.8% respectively). Majority of the MA cases were mild (88.9%), with moderate (5.6%) and severe MA (5.6%) occurring in the urban area only. The age group ≤6 years was significantly (P <0.05) associated with both MA and anaemia. In addition, low parasite density was associated with MA while malaria parasite negative and microcytosis were associated with anaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Malarial anaemia and anaemia display heterogeneity and complexity that differ with the type of settlement. The presence of severe MA and the contributions of the age group ≤6 years, low parasite density and microcytosis to the public health problem of MA and anaemia are noteworthy.

Malaria risk factors in women on intermittent preventive treatment at delivery and their effects on pregnancy outcome in Sanaga-Maritime, Cameroon.

Malaria is known to have a negative impact on pregnant women and their foetuses. The efficacy of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) used for intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) is being threatened by increasing levels of resistance. This study assessed malaria risk factors in women on intermittent preventive treatment with SP (IPTp-SP) at delivery and their effects on pregnancy outcome in Sanaga-Maritime Division, Cameroon. Socio-economic and obstetrical data of mothers and neonate birth weights were documented. Peripheral blood from 201 mothers and newborns as well as placental and cord blood were used to prepare thick and thin blood films. Maternal haemoglobin concentration was measured. The overall malaria parasite prevalence was 22.9% and 6.0% in mothers and newborns respectively. Monthly income lower than 28000 FCFA and young age were significantly associated with higher prevalence of placental malaria infection (p = 0.0048 and p = 0.019 respectively). Maternal infection significantly increased the risk of infection in newborns (OR = 48.4; p<0.0001). Haemoglobin concentration and birth weight were lower in infected mothers, although not significant. HIV infection was recorded in 6.0% of mothers and increased by 5-folds the risk of malaria parasite infection (OR = 5.38, p = 0.007). Attendance at antenatal clinic and level of education significantly influenced the utilisation of IPTp-SP (p<0.0001 and p = 0.018 respectively). Use of SP and mosquito net resulted in improved pregnancy outcome especially in primiparous, though the difference was not significant. Malaria infection in pregnancy is common and increases the risk of neonatal malaria infection. Preventive strategies are poorly implemented and their utilization has overall reasonable effect on malaria infection and pregnancy outcome.