Background: Malaria is an endemic in Tanzania and SCD is very common in Tanzania. It is believed that malaria is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children with SCD in our environment. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of malaria in children with SCD.
Methodology: This was a retrospective study where medical records of children aged 1 to 14 years with SCD who were admitted at Sengerema District Hospital were reviewed. A structured data collection form was used to collect social demographic and assess the factors influencing malaria infestation among children with SCD.
Results: This study enrolled 150 children with SCD. Of these study majority of participants was aged 1-5 years 56.9% and majority were males 63.9%. Out of 150 study participants 28.7% had malarias the main reason for admission. The factors which were associated with malaria in this group of children included not sleeping in the mosquito treated nets, poor housing systems, presence of mosquito breeding sites near the house.
Conclusion: Malaria parasites prevalence in SCD patients moderate. Young age of the child and not sleeping under mosquito net were associated with malaria parasite infection. The continuing use of mosquito nets needs to be emphasized.