A cross-sectional study of the prevalence, density and risk factors associated with malaria transmission in urban communities of Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background Malaria is a serious global public health challenge which causes great morbidity and mortality worldwide particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was designed to determine the prevalence, parasite density and risk factors associated with malaria infection transmission among residents of two urban communities of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out on 300 participants. Blood samples were obtained. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and viewed using the standard parasitological technique of microscopy. Moreover, data on sociodemographic and environmental variables were obtained using standard questionnaire. Results Of the 300 participants examined, a total of 165 (55.0%) were found positive for Plasmodium falciparum with a mean (S.D) parasite density of 1814.70 (1829.117) parasite/µL of blood. The prevalence and parasite density of malaria infection was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in relation to age group. Obviously, malaria infection decreases as age increasing with ≤ 5 years having the highest prevalence and mean parasite density. Similarly, in relation to gender, males significantly (P < 0.05) had higher prevalence (60.2%) and mean (S.D) parasite density of malaria infection [2157.73 (1659.570) parasite/µL of blood] compared to females. Additionally, those without formal education had the highest prevalence (73.0%) and mean (S.D) parasite density of infection [2626.96 (2442.195) parasite/µL of blood]. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that age group 6–10 (COR 0.066, 95% CI: 0.007–0.635), presence of streams (COR 0.225, 95% CI: 0.103–0.492), distance from streams within ≤ 1 Km (COR 0.283, 95% CI: 0.122–0.654) and travel to rural area (COR 4.689, 95% CI: 2.430–9.049) were the major risk factors. Conclusions Malaria infection is apparently endemic in the study area and greatly influenced by rural-urban movement. Multifaceted and integrated control strategy should be adopted. Health education on mosquito prevention and use of chemoprophylaxis before and during travel to rural areas are important.

Malaria Prevalence and Its Demographic Determinants in Oyigbo Local Governement Area, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria

“…Prevalence was highest among those with secondary education and least among those without formal education. This is in contrast with the findings of Awosolu et al, [39] who recorded a higher prevalence among those with formal education. Amongst the different types of occupation, artisans had the highest prevalence whereas the unemployed had the least prevalence.…”

“…Amongst the different types of occupation, artisans had the highest prevalence whereas the unemployed had the least prevalence. This is in line with the findings of Awosolu et al, [39] but in contrast with findings of Kalu et al, [36] who recorded a higher prevalence amongst farmers. This difference could be attributed to higher stress levels induced by the nature of their job.…”

Malaria endemicity in Sub-Saharan Africa: Past and present issues in public health

“…Recent studies by Awosolu et al [18] showed a cross-section of malaria transmission prevalence in Ibadan. The study indicated that malaria infection was observed to be caused by P. falciparum and out of 300 selected individuals observed, 56.4% of malaria infection was categorized as low (< 1000 parasite/µL of blood), and 43.6% were classified as moderate with a range of 1000≤9999 parasite /µL of blood.…”

Comparative efficacy of five brands of Arthemeter Combination Therapy (ACTS) purchased in Ekiti State, Nigeria

“…The parasites were maintained by serial passage of blood collected from an infected donor animal to an uninfected mouse using the method of Aina et al [11]. Each mouse was inoculated with 1x10 6 parasitized red blood cells suspension blood in phosphate buffer saline. The newly infected animals were left for 7days for the parasite to manifest.…”

“…Globally, it is estimated that 3.2 billion people are at risk of contracting malaria annually [5]. In Nigeria, malaria is transmitted throughout the year, with more than 194 million people predisposed to contracting malaria infection [6]. There is a vaccine currently available for malaria as of 2021.…”