Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109229

Luis E. Benavente, MD, MSc¹, Chris Schwabe, PhD¹, Miguel Torrez, MD, MSc¹, Immo Kleinschmidt, Dr², and Brian Sharp, Dr². (1) International Division, Medical Care Development Inc, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 425, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301)562-1920, lbenavente@mcd.org, (2) Medical Research Council, 491 Ridge Road, 40 91 Overport PO BOx 70380, Durban, South Africa

Introduction: A comprehensive package of malaria control measures has been initiated since February 2004 on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea (EG), funded by Marathon Oil in partnership with the government of EG. The measures consist of indoor residual spraying and case management including the introduction of improved diagnosis and effective treatment. Purpose: Assessment of baseline indicators prior to the introduction of interventions aimed at controlling malaria and anemia. Methods: A baseline household survey was conducted in February 2004 using a system of 17 sentinel sites which were established across the island for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation. Total sample size for the survey was 2583. Urban houses were selected using satellite images and a program generating random coordinates. Eligible rural houses were listed on a map, and then houses were selected randomly. After obtaining informed consent, morbidity data and blood samples were collected from children ages 1-14.9y by trained nurses. Each child was assessed for malarial parasitemia using ICT Malaria Rapid Tests, Hemoglobin level (Hb) using Hemocue photometers, and body temperature using digital thermometers. Results: Ten children were found febrile. In the 15 sites studied in February 2004, overall (unadjusted) parasitemia prevalence was 45.1% and the prevalence of anemia 75.7%. The prevalence of severe anemia was 1.3%. Anemia prevalence -particularly marked/severe anemia- decreased with age. Parasitemic subjects had a lower Hb (p<0.0001). Those infected with P.falciparum had almost three times (OR= 2.98, CI=2.-3.7) increased risk of being anemic. Implications: The Bioko Island Malaria Control Project screens anemia and provides iron supplements to all cases treated for malaria. Behavior change communication activities promote iron-rich foods.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn the process of collecting evidence and documenting the impact of a public health program

Keywords: Anemia, Infectious Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF Grant provided by Marathon Oil Compay.

Recorded presentation