Prevalence and Predictors of Malaria Among Children Attending Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Prevalence and Predictors of Malaria Among Children Attending Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, North Central, Nigeria 

Oyibo, Josephine Ejura1, Agieni, Ashem Godwin1,2* and Onoko, Peter Omeiza3 

1 Microbiology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

2 Global Health and Infectious Diseases Control Institute, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria

3Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology), Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author: Agieni, Ashem Godwin E-mail: agieniashemgodwin@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Malaria remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, including Nigeria. It disproportionately affects children and pregnant women, contributing to severe complications such as anaemia and immunosuppression due to the rapid destruction of red blood cells. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of malaria infection among children attending Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Nigeria. A total of 120 children participated in this study. From each participant, 2 mL of venous blood was collected and analyzed for malaria parasites using light microscopy as described earlier by Cheesbrough (2006). Out of the 120 children examined, 33 (27.5%) tested positive for malaria infection. The highest prevalence was observed among children aged 9–12 years (33.33%), with a higher infection rate in males (31.34%) compared to females (22.64%). A statistically significant association was found between malaria prevalence and factors such as sleeping outside without a mosquito net (69.23%) and the presence of waste collection sites near homes (35.71%).The findings underscore the endemic nature of malaria in this region, with a prevalence of 27.5%, highlighting the need for intensified malaria control measures. The study emphasizes the importance of sustained interventions, including the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and effective case management strategies to mitigate the burden of malaria among children.

Keywords: Malaria, Children, Public health, infection, parasite