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Prevalence and risk factors of malaria among children under 5 years and the prevention and treatment regimens in the Kitase community of Ghana
Amponsah, Ebo Owusu
The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of malaria in children under the age of five living in the Kitase Community in Ghana, as well as possible causes, preventative measures, and therapeutic approaches. The principal goals of the research were accomplished through the use of a hospital-based cross-section design, which required the gathering of primary data from women living in the Kitase township, which is located within the Akuapim South Municipal Assembly in Ghana. For the analysis, we utilised version 16 of the STATA statistical software. The chi-squared test and logistic regression were performed to determine the relationship between malaria incidence and household and environmental characteristics. Findings showed that malaria prevalence among under 5 children was 19.62% with a total of 46.15% with at least occurrence of malaria illness in the past three months. Also, ownership of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) was 77.31%, and its use among 58.46% of mothers. However, Environmental characteristics such as bushes, waste dumpsites, stagnant water, and breeding areas around the house increase the odds of malaria infection by AOR of 1.885, 2.455, 2.197, and 2.060, respectively. Therefore, the study recommends that health authorities in the study area ensure the proper usage of LLINs (mosquito nets) through regular and effective education on preventive measures and ensure that good sanitation is observed in settlements.
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