Trends in malaria prevalence in the Jakiri Health District in Cameroon over a 16- year period (2006-2021): A retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background Malaria remains a serious public health concern, particularly in regions with favorable climatic conditions for transmission. The Jakiri Health District in the North-West Region of Cameroon is endemic to malaria, exhibiting significant burden and unique epidemiological characteristics. Understanding the dynamics of malaria prevalence in this district is vital for developing targeted interventions, optimizing resources, and guiding public health policies. We report the trends in malaria prevalence over a 16-year period in the Jakiri Health District, Cameroon. Methods Data was collected retrospectively through review of consultation, laboratory and prescription registers of the Jakiri District Hospital. Data was double entered, cross-checked, and analyzed using SPSS statistical software and Microsoft Excel. Results A total of 3,800 febrile patients were recorded from 2006 to 2021 with 2,318 (61.0%) being females and 1,482 (39.0%) males. A quarter of the patients (24.9%) were confirmed malaria positive. Malaria prevalence showed a fluctuating yet increasing pattern between 2006 and 2021. Confirmed malaria cases increased from 19.7% in 2006 through 21.3% in 2008 to 26.1% in 2009. Between 2009 and 2014, malaria cases dropped from 26.1–16.0%, then, increased steadily to a peak of 39.8% in 2019 and declined again to 24.8% in 2021. Malaria prevalence was higher in males (27.2%) than in females (23.0%), and the odds of having malaria were higher in males than in females (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.49). Of those tested, children aged 1 to < 5yrs and 5 to < 15 years were most affected by malaria during the study period. Conclusion Malaria prevalence was found to have increased in trend from 2006 to 2009, decreased during 2009 to 2014, and increased again from 2014 to 2019, with significant fluctuation across the study period. Children < 15 years remained the most vulnerable to malaria infection with males carrying the highest malaria burden in the locality. A shift in malaria burden from children under 5yrs to 5 to < 15yrs was observed during the period.