Assessment of the Relationship between Malaria and Musculoskeletal Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study in Owerri, Imo State

Malaria presenting with musculoskeletal pain has been a public health concern. This study was carried out to assess the relationship between malaria and musculoskeletal pain (MSP) on patients attending a private hospital in Owerri, Imo State between January and October 2017. The medical history and malaria parasitaemia of 235 participants within 10 years and above were assessed using standard procedures. The data generated were analysed with descriptive chi-square statistics. Results revealed malaria prevalence and musculoskeletal pain prevalence of 62.55% and 63.83% respectively. Of the 235 participants, 97 (41.26%) had malaria with musculoskeletal pain representing 64.67% of 150 patients with musculoskeletal pain; while 11 (7.33%) had malaria and musculoskeletal pain with co-existing diseases. There was a positive relationship between malaria and musculoskeletal pain (Odd ratio=2.72, R2 =0.9815, r=0.9907 and p<0.05). The three most frequently reported sites of malaria-associated musculoskeletal pain were lower back (37.11%), knee (26.80%) and shoulder (21.65%). Females had a significantly higher malaria prevalence of 72.72% than males (51.75%) (p<0.05). Likewise, there was a significant sex-related prevalence of malaria with MSP with females (73.17%) recording higher infection than males (54.41%) (p>0.05). Age-related prevalence of malaria was significant with a frequency rate exceeding 50%, except for the age group 40-49 years with a prevalence of 45.61%. Age was not significantly associated with malaria-associated MSP (P>0.05) with a range of 50.00% in 20-29 years to 72.73% on ≥60 years respondents. The relationship between MSP and malaria portrays a possible incorporation of MSP in the algorithm currently used in the diagnosis of malaria infection.