Non-classical symptoms of malaria in parts of South Eastern Nigeria: A preliminary report
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
U. P.
Abstract
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.
Description
This article contains tables and figures
Keywords
Malaria, non-classical symptoms, clinical recognition, diagnosis, Department of Public Health
Citation
Chukwuocha, U. M., Njoku, P. U., Iwuoha, G. N., Nwaokoro, J. C., Njoku-obi, N. T., Iwuala, C. C. & Judith, E. (2019). Non-classical symptoms of malaria in parts of South Eastern Nigeria: A preliminary report. Chinese Journal of Medical Research, 2( 2), 38-45