Prevalence and factors associated with cerebral malaria among children aged 6 to 59 months with severe malaria in Western Uganda: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, represents the most severe neurologic complication of malaria. Its association with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially among young children, underscores its clinical significance. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, cerebral malaria remains a major health challenge, contributing significantly to the high child mortality rate. Despite advances in malaria control, the burden of cerebral malaria among children under five is substantial, reflecting the need for targeted interventions and improved management strategies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cerebral malaria and identify associated factors among children admitted with severe malaria at a tertiary hospital in western Uganda.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study involving children aged 6 to 59 months admitted with severe malaria. The study was conducted from January to March 2023 at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Severe and cerebral malaria were defined as per the WHO criteria. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors associated with cerebral malaria. A p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 250 children were recruited (mean age 33.1 ± 17.3 months). The prevalence of cerebral malaria was 12.8% (95% CI: 8.9-17.6). Cerebral malaria was independently associated with male sex (aOR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.20-7.77, p = 0.02), abnormal bleeding (aOR: 13.22, 95% CI: 11.54-15.16, p = 0.001), history of convulsions (aOR 12.20, 95% CI: 10.7-21.69, p = 0.010), acute kidney injury (aOR: 4.50, 95% CI: 1.30-15.53, p = 0.02), and hyponatremia (aOR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.34-8.96, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence of cerebral malaria was high among children with severe malaria. Factors associated with cerebral malaria included male gender, history of convulsions, abnormal bleeding, acute kidney injury, and hyponatremia. Targeted interventions and early management are essential to improve clinical outcomes.