Abstract:
Introduction: severe malaria, commonly occurred due to Plasmodium falciparum, causes one or more signs of severity or evidence of organ failure. Sub-Saharan Africa remains disproportionately affected, accounting for an estimated 80% of disease burden and mortality. In the study area, there is scarcity of data on the admission outcomes of severe malaria and its associated factors.
Objective: To assess the admission outcomes of severe malaria and determinant factors among patients admitted at university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, 2020-2023
Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was employed at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital from July1 to August 30, 2023. Data were collected retrospectively from patient’s medical record. Data entry was done using Epi data and analyzed using SPSS software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the independent variables and admission outcome.
Results: A total of 383 patients with a mean age of 31.26(±12.46) were included in the study. Severe malaria related mortality among the study participants was 10.97 % (95%CI: 8.19-14.52). Age of above 48 years (AOR=7.042, (95%CI: 2.26- 21.86), parasitemia level of more than 2+ (AOR=3.71(95%CI; 1.51- 9.11), jaundice (AOR=3.28(95%CI; 1.17-9.18), and creatinine level of >3 (AOR=11.79(95%CI; 4.756- 29.239) were the predictors of severe malaria related mortality among the study participants.
Conclusion and recommendations: In the present study the magnitude of severe malaria related mortality is high. The study revealed that old age, impaired consciousness, jaundice, convulsion, parasitemia level of greater than two and creatinine level were significant predictors for malaria related mortality. Hence, elderly age groups, patients with impaired consciousness, jaundice, convulsion and elevated creatinine level needs urgent treatment.
