C0MPARATIVE STUDY ANALYSIS OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONG MALARIA PATIENTS OF RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF KPK

ABSTRACT

Background: Malaria continues to be a major global public health concern, with varying prevalence in different regions. Comparing the hematological parameters of malaria patients was the goal of this study. From rural and urban areas to gain insights into potential differences in disease presentation and management.

Objective: To find out potential correlation between hematological parameters and the severity of malarial infection in rural and urban area patients. To identify any significant differences in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin level hematocrit (HCT), white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet count between rural and urban malaria patients.

Methodology: A study with a cross-sectional design was carried out on patients with malaria. (62) from rural areas and 78 from urban areas) in a malaria-endemic region. Hematological parameters, including hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count, were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques.

Results: Our analysis revealed significant variations in hematological parameters between rural and urban malaria patients. Hemoglobin levels were lower in rural patients (29% patient have low Hb range between 5-10g/dl) compared to urban patients (31% patient have low Hb), indicating a higher degree of anemia in urban areas. Hematocrit levels followed a similar trend, with rural patients exhibiting lower levels. About 25% patient WBC counts were abnormal in both rural and urban patients, indicating a more robust inflammatory response. Platelet counts, however, were lower in rural patients, suggesting potential differences in disease severity and clotting.

Conclusion: Platelet count, Hb concentration and hematocrit which were low. Leucopenia the typical changes in hematological parameters seen in infections with P. falciparum and P. vivax also occur about 25 percent patient. Malaria affects mostly adults with male predominance. Both   rural and urban area were exposed to malaria infection. The severity of malaria and hematological parameters were high in urban area.