Epidemiological Assessment of Malaria Prevalence among Children Under 5 in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Cameroon, particularly affecting children under 5 years of age. Despite these efforts, its prevalence persists, highlighting the need for comprehensive epidemiological studies to guide interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected health areas across five regions of Cameroon. Data on sociodemographic profiles, insecticide-treated net utilization, and malaria incidence among children under 5 years of age were collected using structured questionnaires and rapid diagnostic tests. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors associated with malaria positivity. Results: The study included 1,200 households with children under 5 years of age, representing various sociodemographic profiles across regions. Among the respondents, 85% demonstrated a high awareness of malaria. While 92% reported ownership of insecticide-treated nets, only 67% reported consistent utilization. Alarmingly, 42% of children under 5 years of age tested positive for malaria. Factors associated with malaria positivity included the gender of the household head, marital status, insecticide-treated net availability, physical condition of insecticide-treated nets, and recent malaria episodes. Conclusion: While the study provided valuable insights, limitations such as its cross-sectional design and potential biases necessitate caution in interpreting the results. To address these issues, rigorous data collection methods and statistical analysis were employed, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and ongoing surveillance to combat malaria effectively.