Influence of urbanisation on asymptomatic malaria in school children in Molyko, South West Cameroon.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the impact of urbanisation on the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Molyko, a rapidly urbanising area of South West Cameroon.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Molyko, South West Province Cameroon.


METHODS
One hundred and sixty six and two hundred and forty four randomly selected children in Molyko in the rainy seasons of 2000 and 2004 respectively.


METHODS
Prevalence and geometric mean parasite density of asymptomatic malaria, measurement of axillary temperatures and haematocrit (PCV) values in 2000 and 2004.


RESULTS
There was a significant association between axillary temperature and malaria parasitaemia in both years (p<0.05). Overall, the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and parasite density values in all age groups in 2004 were lower than in 2000 while the reverse was the case with PCV values.


CONCLUSIONS
Urbanisation in Molyko has likely reduced the level of malaria endemicity in the area. It is advisable to repeat this study over a period of time in order to assess the long-term effects of urbanisation in the study area.
Kimbi
H K
HK
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, S.W. P. Cameroon.
Nformi
D
D
Patchong
A M
AM
Ndamukong
K J N
KJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012572:School Health Services / Q000639:trends*; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014507:Urbanization