Prevalence of Malaria Parasitaemia and Intestinal Protozoan Infections among Schoolchildren in Ndop, Northwest Cameroon, A Conflict Hit Locality

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with malaria and intestinal protozoans among schoolchildren in Ndop a conflict hit locality in Northwest Cameroon.

Study Design: This was a school-based cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Cameroon Baptist Convention Nursery and Primary School Bamunka, Ndop during the months of April and May 2023.

Methodology: Sociodemographic and hygiene-related data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Capillary blood and stool samples were collected, giemsa-stained blood films were examined to detect malaria parasites, while normal saline and iodine wet preparations were used to detect intestinal parasites in stool. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The Chi-square test was used to compare prevalence between groups, p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: One hundred and eighty (180) children took part in the study. The prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoans, and malaria and intestinal protozoan coinfection observed were 7.2%, 13.0%, and 1.5% respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was the only Plasmodium species identified while the intestinal protozoans observed were Entamoeba histolytica (9, 6.9%), Entamoeba coli (12, 9.1%) and Giardia lamblia (10, 7.6%). With respect to socio-demographic characteristics, father’s profession (p=0.04) and, class of children (p=.01); whereas for methods related to prevention, taking anti-helminthics (p=.001), having a toilet at home (p=.001), toilet type (p=.000), washing of hands at school (p=.001), washing of hands at home (p=.001) and source of water were associated with intestinal parasite prevalence.

Conclusion: This study revealed that malaria parasite and intestinal protozoans still constitute public health problems in Ndop. Control measures implemented by government to curb the prevalence of helminthic infections are quite effective meanwhile there is need to maintain and re-enforce measures for the control of malaria and intestinal protozoans.