03483nas a2200241   4500000000100000008004100001260002000042653001700062653001700079653002100096653001200117100001300129700001300142700001400155700001300169700001500182245010600197856006400303300000800367490000900375520283200384022002503216       2021                            d  bHindawi Limited10aMicrobiology10aParasitology10aGeneral Medicine10aMalaria1 aFlavio A1 aCedric Y1 aNadia NAC1 aPayne VK1 aChieffi PP00aMalaria and Helminth Coinfection among Children at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital  uhttps://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/jtm/2021/3702693.pdf  a1-50 v20213 a<jats:p>Background. Malaria and helminth infections are major public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa including Cameroon. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria and helminth coinfection among children in the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (HGOPED) in Douala, southwestern Cameroon. Material and Methods. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that took place from January to July 2020 where 203 children were involved. Blood samples were collected from the children and thick blood smears were prepared and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Stool samples were also collected and examined through the Kato-Katz technique for the identification of helminth eggs. Demographic and socioeconomic data and information of participant’s knowledge on the transmission of malaria and helminth infections were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Results. The overall prevalence of P. falciparum infection was 28.8%, while the overall prevalence of helminth was 9.36%. The only species of helminth identified were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura with a prevalence of 4.26% and 2.95%, respectively, and mixed infection of both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura with a prevalence of 1.47%. Coinfection of malaria and helminth was observed with a prevalence of 6.90%. Associations of malaria-helminth coinfection with age groups, parent’s educational level, type of latrine, and source of water factors were not statistically significant (<jats:inline-formula>
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                  </jats:inline-formula>), while the prevalence of the coinfection with respect to parent’s occupation, presence of stagnant water around homes, washing of hands after using the toilet, and washing of fruits before eating was statistically significant (<jats:inline-formula>
                     <math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M2">
                        <mi>p</mi>
                        <mo>&lt;</mo>
                        <mn>0.05</mn>
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                  </jats:inline-formula>). Conclusion. The findings suggest that helminths and malaria infections tend to occur in children. Not washing hands after using the toilet, not washing fruits before eating, the presence of stagnant water around homes, and parents’ occupation were found to be strongly associated with coinfection. Health education on the importance of better sewage disposal, draining of stagnant water around homes, and other sanitary practices is recommended.</jats:p>  a1687-9694, 1687-9686