Abstract:

Background: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium spp parasites however causes significant morbidity and mortality .The contribution of the parasite burden to the pathogenesis of severe malaria has been controversial.

Objective of the study: We determined prevalence, common presentation and associated factors of high malaria parasitemia among children on arrival at Sengerema District Hospital, Tanzania.

Methodology: This is a hospital based cross section study,conducted at Sengerema designated district hospital (SDDH) pediatric department. Socio-demographic information, clinical symptoms and physical findings at presentation to the hospital were collected using a pretested questionnaire and thick blood smear from all consenting participants below 18 years old that test positive for malaria on rapid diagnostic test (mRDT). Convenience sampling technique was used to select samples for this study. This study involved 95 patients aged 1 to 12 years who had a positive malaria test. The required sample size was not met up to the time of writing this report. Data was computerized using Epi data version 3.1 and STATA version 15 (Stata Corp LP, college station, TX) was used for analysis.

Results: In our study the prevalence of high malaria parasitemia was 88.4%. Among the participants males were the most prevalent 51 (53.7%) with median age of participants of 6 [3 – 10] years. Most 73 (76.8%) participants reported to have stagnant water around their compounds. And majority of the participants reported to be living in houses not meeting all standards to prevent mosquito from entering their houses. More than 93% of participants reported to use mosquito bed nets during the night. Fever was the most, 70 (73.7%) common presenting sign followed by anaemia, 46 (48.4%). Others were hypoglycemia 15 (15.8%), jaundice 20 (21.0%), convulsion 17 (17.9%), oedema 15 (15.8%) and hydration 18 (19.0%). The associated factors were not statistically significant most likely due to limited number of participants enrolled so far.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of malaria parasitemia among children and most common presenting sign was fever. Malaria prevention is priority in this population.