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Evaluation of Malaria Infection In Relation to Age and Residential Area in Nandi County, Kenya


JO Nyamuni
E Kokwaro
J Ouma
TV Ambundo

Abstract

Objective: To investigate malaria infection in relation to age and residential area.
Design: A cross sectional study.
Setting: Kipsamoite Dispensary of Nandi County in Kenya.
Subjects: The demographic details and medical history for all consenting patients was taken by the clinical officer/nurse.
Intervention: Clinical examination was done followed by presumptive diagnosis for clinical malaria.
Main outcomes: A total of 349 patients were examined and tested for malaria during the period under study.
Results: Whereas infection distribution was significantly associated with age groups P<0.05 (χ2 = 4.190); no significant difference in mean parasite density  distribution over the seven residential area categories (P = 0.261) (F = 1.305) was found.
Conclusion: Patients aged > 5 years were found to be infected more than those aged <5 years. On overall, there is a need to start targeting patients above five years of age and encourage them to access malaria control interventions especially the use of insecticide treated bed nets to minimise their infection rate.

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eISSN: 0012-835X