Malaria-related Anaemia among Children and Adolescents Attending General Hospitals in Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State

Abstract

Anaemia is one of the leading complications due to malaria infections. It is defined in terms of packed cell volume (PCV) as a PCV <32%. This study was focused on the prevalence of malaria-related anaemia among children and adolescents attending General Hospital in Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State. Whole blood samples for malaria test were collected by fingertip pricking and vein punctured from a total of 738 children and adolescent patients that visited these hospitals between the months of October, 2015 to February, 2016. Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit (RDT) and haematocrit reader were used to determine malaria infections and PCV respectively. Those tested positive for malaria were 207 (106 and 101 for Obi and general hospitals respectively). Positive participants were further tested for anaemia and 73 (35.2%) were found anaemic. Distribution in the general hospitals were 34 (46.6%) and 39 (53.4%) for Obi and Oju respectively. October, 2015 had the highest prevalence. Amongst those anaemic females had a higher prevalence of 43 (58.9%) than males 30 (41.1%), (r=0.95). Also age group 0-5 years were most anaemic, 31 (53.4%), (P>0.05). Conclusively, the prevalence of malaria-related anaemia among children and adolescents attending these hospitals of the study areas was high. Reducing the prevalence of malaria should be prioritized by individuals and government.