Prevalence and factors associated with infection among children with sickle cell anemia attending Mulago hospital, in Uganda.

BACKGROUND

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have a high predisposition to a range of infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Studies of children living in low income countries have shown high levels of infection with (), however, there are no reports in Ugandan children with SCA.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with infection among children with SCA at Mulago Hospital.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 children with SCA aged 5-18 years. Assessments included recurrent abdominal pain(RAP), dyspeptic symptoms, relevant medical and social histories. Stool samples were collected and an antigen test carried out to determine prevalence and its associated factors were determined.

RESULTS

infection was detected in 49%(168/340); (95%Confidence interval (CI): 44.1, 54.7) of the study subjects. Having epigastric pain was independently associated with infection; (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.1, 3.6; p= 0.048). Pneumococcal vaccination; (aOR=0.425; 95%CI: 0.2, 0.9; p=0.019) and appetite loss; (aOR=0.588; 95%CI: 0.3, 0.9; p=0.046) were negatively associated with infection. RAP was not associated with infection.

CONCLUSIONS

infection was common among children with SCA and independently associated with epigastric pain but not recurrent abdominal pain. Pneumococcal vaccination and appetite loss were protective against the infection. Screening for should be carried out in SCA children with epigastric pain.