Malaria among the Geriatric Population in Parts of South-Eastern Nigeria: Prevalence, Complications and Co-morbidity with Non-communicable Diseases

Abstract

This study was done to ascertain malaria prevalence, its complications and co-morbidity with non communicable diseases among the geriatric population in parts of South-Eastern, Nigeria. Ninety two (92) consenting subjects between the ages of 50 and 80 years were recruited in Ihiagwa, South-Eastern Nigeria for the study. Blood samples collected from them were Giemsa stained and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Clinical examination in addition to health facility records analysis were done to determine malaria signs and symptoms, complications and co-morbidity with non-communicable diseases.There was high malaria prevalence among study subjects. Respiratory involvement (28.2%) was the major complication associated with it while Diabetes Mellitus (44.5%) was found to be the most co-morbid non communicable disease. The older adults should be adequately included in malaria control programs. Further investigations into the pattern, dynamics and factors relating to malaria co morbidity with non communicable diseases among this age group should be given urgent attention.

Malaria among the elderly in five communities of Osun East district, Southwest Nigeria: Prevalence and association with non-communicable diseases

“…It is possible that, unlike immunity to other infectious diseases, malaria immunity – the mechanisms of which are not yet fully elucidated – is not significantly impacted by comorbidity among people living in malarial endemic zones such as Nigeria. This finding is however contrary to the reports by Chukwuocha et al 15 and Ibrahim et al 30 who, respectively, demonstrated statistical association between malaria infection and certain NCDs. Also, studies in non-endemic regions among patients, who returned from endemic areas, showed significant association between NCDs and the risk of malaria infection as well as its severity.…”

“… 3 , 14 , 15 This prevalence was lower to that obtained in other studies in Southwest and Southeast Nigeria probably due to variations in study population structure and timing of survey. 14 , 15 …”

“…The studies by Chukwuocha et al. 15 and Ibrahim et al, 30 for example, were facility-based studies among symptomatic patients who presented for care and are more likely to have more severe forms of malaria than the respondents in our study, which was community based.…”

“… 11 – 13 The elderly population were not considered to be at risk of significant morbidity and mortality due to partial immunity conferred by persistent exposure to malaria over the years. 14 – 16 However, there is also a possibility that old age and the presence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) lead to the attenuation of this immunity. 17 , 18 These may put elderly persons at a significantly higher risk of malaria and its unacceptable sequelae.…”

“… 17 , 18 These may put elderly persons at a significantly higher risk of malaria and its unacceptable sequelae. 15 , 19 , 20 …”