The Role of Oral Chloroquine Treatment in the Home-Based Management of Childhood Malaria in Jos, Nigeria: Biochemical, Hematological, Nutritional, and Co-Infection Perspectives
Research Background: Malaria, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions where access to healthcare facilities is limited. Home-based management of malaria has emerged as a critical strategy to reduce disease burden, enabling timely treatment at the community level. Chloroquine, once the cornerstone of malaria treatment, is still utilized in some settings due to its affordability, availability, oral administration, and historical effectiveness against Plasmodium species. However, the widespread emergence of chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum has necessitated a reevaluation of its role in malaria management. This study investigates the therapeutic effectiveness of oral chloroquine in home-based management, focusing on its ability to reduce parasitemia and alleviate clinical symptoms. Additionally, the study assessed the influence of protein nutritional status and bacterial/viral co-infections on malaria outcomes among children under five years in Jos, Nigeria, providing insights into its current relevance in resource-limited settings. Research Objective: Given the historical use of chloroquine and emerging reports of chloroquine-sensitive strains, this research aims to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria, by assessing its impact on parasitemia, symptom alleviation, biochemical and hematological profiles, nutritional status, and interactions with co-infections while providing evidence-based insights to inform policy, community health practices, and contemporary malaria control strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study evaluated the role of oral chloroquine in the home-based management of childhood malaria in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 93 children under five years of age, presenting with fever and confirmed Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia, were recruited from two hospitals in Jos. Participants were stratified into three groups: children treated with chloroquine at home prior to hospital presentation, untreated children with uncomplicated malaria, and untreated children with severe malaria. Caregivers were surveyed to assess the use of chloroquine as a first-line home treatment, including dosage and timing of administration. Ethical approval was obtained from the
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