Assessment of the Epidemiology and Factors Associated with the Malaria among Children in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, South East of Iran (2013-2016)

Abstract

Background Malaria is one of tropical and semi-tropical and vector-borne parasitic diseases produced by the protozoan parasites of the genus and species Plasmodium. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology and the factors associated with the malaria in children in Sistan and Baluchistan province in 2013-2016. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2013 to March 2016 on 247 child cases of malaria in Sistan and Baluchistan province. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic and clinical status of malaria in children. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to identify factors affecting malaria in children using SPSS 18, software. Results: Of 247 cases, 51.8% were boys, 70.9% were in rural areas and 64.4 % were Iranian. Plasmodium Vivax with 83.8 % of cases was the most common species of the plasmodium. The relationship between parasite species and treatment failure, illness severity and type of treatment were statistically significant as (P<0.05). Conclusion Children are at high risk for malaria in Sistan and Baluchestan province; therefore, it is necessary that the primary and second level of prevention programs be done with more emphasis; as a result, prevent the occurrence or at least reduce the number of disease cases.