Abstract:
Background
Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Dar es Salaam.
It has undergone a dramatic resurgence in recent years and children
less than five years of age are the most vulnerable. The role of zinc and
its severity has not been elucidated. Oral zinc supplementation has been
shown to reduce substantially the episodes of severe malaria and
frequency of health facility attendance.
Study Objective
The overall objective of this study was to assess plasma zinc levels and
risk factors associated with severity of malaria in children less than five
years of age admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital and those
attending a Maternal and Child Health Clinic (MCH) of city council of
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Study design
It was an unmatched case control study with a ratio of 1:2 (one case
with two arms of controls).
Study setting
This study was conducted in the General Paediatric wards, General
Paediatric Outpatient clinic of MNH and at Mnazi Mmoja MCH clinic of
Dares Salaam city council.
