Browsing by Author "Iwuala, Chimezie C."

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    Non-classical symptoms of malaria in parts of South Eastern Nigeria: A preliminary report
    (U. P., 2019) Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu M.; Njoku, Princewill U.; Iwuoha, Gregory N.; Nwaokoro, Joakin C.; Njoku-obi, Njideka T.; Iwuala, Chimezie C.; Ezelote, Judith
    Malaria is associated with varied symptoms some of which are not documented or recognized. This study is a preliminary report on non-classical symptoms of malaria among a cross-section of 200 consenting patients in parts of South Eastern Nigeria. Socio-Clinico data was collected using structured pre-tested questionnaire. Malaria status was confirmed using Rapid Diagnostic Test. Data was analyzed with Chi-square at P<0.05 significance. Most of the study patients were 30-39 years (50.0%) and males (40.0%). All reported experiencing fever at onset of illness with 175 (87.5%) reporting non-classical symptoms particularly bitterness of the taste buds (5.0%), mostly as double symptoms (32.5%) or multiple symptoms (37.5%). About 133/175 (76%) tested malaria positive. Non-classical symptoms were significantly associated with period of last malaria treatment and current malaria status respectively (P<0.05). There is need to further investigate the dynamics, patterns, consistency and host factors involvement of non-classical symptoms of malaria and potential implications for malaria elimination plans.
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    Nutritional status and malaria risk in children under five years in Owerri Municipality, South Eastern, Nigeria
    (U. P., 2019) Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu M.; Njoku, Princewill U.; Ezelote, Judith; Nwaokoro, Joakin C.; Iwuala, Chimezie C.
    Nutritional status of children has been associated with disease conditions leading to morbidity and mortality. This facility based study assessed the relationship between nutritional status and malaria among under-five children in Owerri municipality South Eastern Nigeria. Nutritional status, Malaria status, Haemoglobin level, Serum Iron and Temperature were respectively measured by Z-score, Rapid Diagnostic Test, Hemocue Hb201+ analyzer, enzyme immunoassay and digital thermometer. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 200 under five children were involved in the study of which 37% were positive for malaria, 37% were anemic, 38% had iron deficiency, 44% were febrile and 49.5% were hospitalized due to malaria. There was significant association between nutritional status and malaria (χ2=9.254, p=0.002), nutritional status and anemia (χ2=5.552, p= 0.020) as well as nutritional status and hospitalization due to malaria (χ2= 11.691, p=0.001). Malnourishment is associated with malaria risk among the under five children. Reductions in malaria parasitaemia and anemia rates may require improving children's nutritional status. This will reflect on reducing malaria morbidity, progression to severe disease and possible death.