TITLE:
Monitoring Adverse Events during Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention Campaigns for Children Aged 3 - 59 Months in Benin in 2023
AUTHORS:
Cyriaque Affoukou, Rock Aïkpon, Georgia Damiens, Olaréwadjou Richard Biaou Boni, Géraud Padonou, William Houndjo, Camille Houetohossou, Elysé Sohizoun, Thibaud Legba, Aurore Ogouyemi, Badirou Aguemon
KEYWORDS:
SMC, Adverse Events, Treatment Adherence, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.14 No.4,
November
5,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is crucial for reducing the burden of malaria in children. However, adverse events (AEs) can affect treatment adherence and efficacy. This study assesses the prevalence of AEs associated with SMC and identifies factors associated with treatment discontinuation. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 3115 children receiving SMC was conducted. The study was conducted in two departments in northern Benin. The prevalence of AEs and factors associated with discontinuation of treatment were analyzed. Results: Among the children, 578 (18.6%, 95% CI: 17.2 - 19.9) reported AEs, mainly vomiting (63.5%), fever (43.8%) and diarrhea (23.0%). Boys (51.9%) had slightly more AEs than girls (48.1%). The prevalence of AEs was higher in rural areas (64.0%) than in urban areas (36.0%). Only 2.8% of children stopped taking SMC because of AEs. There was no significant association between AEs and discontinuation of SMC (p = 0.608). Children referred to health centers for management of AEs were less likely to discontinue treatment (p = 0.015). Conclusion: AEs were common, but the rate of discontinuation of SMC due to AEs was low, indicating good treatment tolerance. Effective management of AEs in health centers reduces treatment interruptions.