MALARIA PARASITE DENSITY, HAEMATOLOGY AND NUTRITIONAL INDICATORS IN BREASTFEEDING CHILDREN 0-2 YEARS AT CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL AWKA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Authors

  • Obiageli Anthonia Okeke
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Prosper Onyinye Odili
    Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Cornelius Orjighjigh Ishar
    Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Nwabundo Peace Udeh
    Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Cyril Ali Imakwu
    Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Chioma Janefrances Okeke
    Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Uche Boniface Oraneli
    Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Mulumba Ifeanyi Ikeh
    Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Ifebunandu Okwudilichukwu Nnatuanya
    Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Ugochukwu Anthony Obiakor
    Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Chika Clement Ukanwa
    Department of Microbiology, Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria

Keywords:

Breastfeeding, Children, Haematology, Malaria, Nutrition

Abstract

Malaria remains a major health issue caused by infected Anopheles mosquito especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Knowledge of haematological profile of infected persons is key in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This survey investigated the malaria parasite density, haematology and nutritional indicators in breastfeeding children 0-2 years at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024. Venous Blood samples were collected from the patients and analysed using microscopy and Automated Haematology Analyzer. Height and weight were measured using meter rule and weighing balance. Information on their breastfeeding practices was obtained with the aid of a questionnaire. Of the 114 breastfeeding children sampled, only 32.5% (n=37) were exclusively given breast milk. Those who received breast milk and water were 15.8% (n=18) while those who received breast milk and other food were 51.8% (n=59). Results from the survey showed that 26.3% of the breastfeeding children were positive for malaria. Male children had a higher mean parasite density than their female counterparts but the difference was insignificant (p>0.05). Parasite density across age groups increased as age increased, however, the variation in parasite density was not significantly different (p>0.05).  A significant negative correlation was found between the height of breastfeeding children and MCV (r=-0.39, p<0.01) as well as MCH (r=-0.22, p<0.05). Additionally, the weight of the children displayed a significant negative association with PCV (r=0.19, p<0.05), MCV (r=-0.34, p<0.01), and EOS_PLA (r=-0.19, p<0.05). Regular screening and monitoring are recommended. Implementing preventive measures such...

Dimensions

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Published

30-04-2025

How to Cite

MALARIA PARASITE DENSITY, HAEMATOLOGY AND NUTRITIONAL INDICATORS IN BREASTFEEDING CHILDREN 0-2 YEARS AT CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL AWKA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. (2025). FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(4), 23-29. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0904-3308

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2025): FUDMA Journal of Sciences - Vol. 9 No. 4

Section

Research Articles
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

MALARIA PARASITE DENSITY, HAEMATOLOGY AND NUTRITIONAL INDICATORS IN BREASTFEEDING CHILDREN 0-2 YEARS AT CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL AWKA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. (2025). FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(4), 23-29. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0904-3308