Browsing by Author "Njoku-obi, Njideka T."

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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.