Factors associated with fever in children under 5 in areas of stable malaria transmission in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: Fever is a predominant symptom of many infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with fever in children under 5 in areas of stable malaria transmission in Burkina Faso, in order to help reduce febrile illnesses. Material and methods: The study is based on a secondary analysis of data from the 2017-2018 malaria indicator survey in the Centre-East, Centre-North and East regions. It analyses the relationship between fever occurring two weeks prior to the survey, and socio-demographic, household variables and anemia status. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with fever, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The analysis included 998 children. The results showed a reduced risk of fever in children aged 12 months and over, in the Eastern region, in children of mothers aged between 35 and 49, and in children with no anemia or with moderate to mild anemia. On the other hand, the risk of fever was almost doubled in children in households where the head was aged 51 to 65, increased by three-quarters in the presence of protected wells, and multiplied by 4.37 with other water sources. Conclusion: Educating the population and managing the quality of drinking water sources are essential to reduce the prevalence of fever in young children.