Abstract:

Background: Childhood malaria and anaemia are considered as major public health problems in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa including Tanzania. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, anaemia, and the related risk factors among the under five children.

Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted in 331 children under five years of age at Igombe village. Parasitological examination of malaria was carried out using Malaria Rapid Tests (ICT) and thick and thin Giemsa stained smears. Determination of haemoglobin level was done using HemoCue system and the questionnaire was used to capture demographic and other households’ information.

Results: In total, 331 children were tested from 331 households. Prevalence of anaemia, and malaria, were 65.0% (95%CI, 60-70) and 11.3% (95% CI, 7.9-14.7), respectively. In terms of severity, 2% had severe anaemia, 34% had moderate anaemia, 28% had mild anaemia, and 35% had normal Hb levels. The highest prevalence of anaemia (mild to severe) was observed in children aged <2 years, of whom 76% were anaemic, and 24% (95%CI, 10-38) of the anaemic children had malaria parasite. Risk factors for P. falciparum infection were children aged >2 years (95%CI, 0.8-3.3), mothers being employed (95% CI, 1.3-10.7), and anaemia (95% CI, 10.8-3.9). Risk factors for anaemia were P. falciparum infection (6.0 95%CI, 3.9-9.9) and younger age ≤ two years (1.8 95%CI, 0.8-3.9).

Conclusion: The results of present study confirm that malaria and anaemia are common public health problems among children underfive in Igombe village. Age, malaria infection, anaemia and mothers occupations were the risk factors for malaria and anemia. Therefore programmes that address malaria should include also consider anaemia