Malaria-related sociodemographic and socio-economic characteristics in two peri-urban Colombian Pacific neighbourhoods.

BACKGROUND

Malaria constitutes an important public health problem in peri-urban neighbourhoods of Quibdó, Chocó Department, one of the most deprived areas of Colombia. This study evaluated sociodemographic and socio-economic characteristics and Plasmodium infection in two peri-urban neighbourhoods of Quibdó.

METHODS

A survey was provided to 136 individuals selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling to evaluate sociodemographic, socio-economic and clinical aspects as well as Plasmodium infection and malaria prevention practices. Relationships between variables and Plasmodium infection were evaluated by an exploratory analysis.

RESULTS

Among participants, the malaria positivity rate was 8.8%. Northern participants mainly stayed/worked indoors, had better infrastructure and services, had access to bed nets and presented lower infection frequencies. Among the southern, more deprived population, outdoor work predominated; they experienced structural and protection resource gaps. Half of Plasmodium-infected participants had subclinical infection and nearly half carried gametocytes. Higher Plasmodium infection frequency was related with male sex, southern residence, lacking a bed net and deficient infrastructure.

CONCLUSIONS

The results helped to identify the main sociodemographic and socio-economic characteristics relevant to transmission in peri-urban areas of Quibdó; they provide a preliminary perspective to strengthen control and prevention interventions through public health approaches and community participation.