Spatial distribution and sociodemographic risk factors of malaria in Nigerian children less than 5 years old

Abstract

Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Nigeria less than 5 years old (under-5). This study utilized nationally representative secondary data extracted from the 2015 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) to investigate the spatial variability in malaria distribution in those under- 5 and to explore the influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on malaria prevalence in this population group. To account for spatial correlation, a Spatially Generalized Linear Mixed Model (SGMM) was employed and predictive risk maps was developed using Kriging. Highly significant spatial variability in under-5 malaria distribution was observed (p<0.0001) with a higher likelihood of malaria prevalence in this group in the North-west and North-east of the country. The number of malaria infections increased with age, children aged between 49-59 months were found to be at a higher risk (Odds Ratio=4.680, 95% CI=3.674 to 5.961 at p<0.0001). After accounting for spatial correlation, we observed a strong significant association between the non-availability or non-use of mosquito bed-nets, low household socioeconomic status, low level of mother’s educational attainment, family size, anaemia prevalence, rural type of residence and under-5 malaria prevalence. Faced with a high rate of under-5 mortality due to malaria in Nigeria, targeted interventions (which requires the identification of the child’s location) may reduce malaria prevalence, and we conclude that socioeconomic impediments need to be confronted to reduce the burden of childhood malaria infection.

Bayesian spatio-temporal and joint modelling of malaria and anaemia among Nigerian children aged under five years, including estimation of the effects of risk factors.

“…The spatial effect maps were generated from the available data to identify the most endemic regions. The result from this study is in line with previous works (Ugwu and Zewotir, 2020b;Roberts et al, 2020;Gayawan et al, 2014;Magalhaes and Clements, 2011), that the risk of girls having malaria or anaemia is less than the risk of boys, and an increase in wealth index and mother's educational level decreases a child's risk. It can be inferred that the more educated an individual, the more aware they are, the more understanding of health-related issues they have.…”

“…In both years, type of place of residence is significantly associated with the two diseases. Children in rural areas tend to have higher rates of the diseases than their contemporaries in Nigeria and Zambia (Gayawan et al, 2014;Riedel et al, 2010;Ugwu and Zewotir, 2020b). In addition, female children had lower risk of having anaemia in both years while for malaria, female children had non-significant higher odds in 2010 and lower odds in 2015 compared to male children.…”

“…It can be inferred that the more educated an individual, the more aware they are, the more understanding of health-related issues they have. Also, from the results, inefficient public health resource allocations and socio-economic conditions are strongly associated with geographical inequalities in health (Ugwu and Zewotir, 2020b). In the same vein, when individuals have high income, access to good health care and nutritional food sources the risk of the diseases is reduced.…”

Identifying childhood malaria hotspots and risk factors in a Nigerian city using geostatistical modelling approach

“…A few studies have attempted spatial risk analyses of malaria in Nigeria. For example, using Kriging to develop predictive risk factor maps, 15 assessed the spatial distribution and socio-demographic risk factors of U5 malaria in Nigeria. A close attempt at spatial statistical modelling of malaria incidence and hotspots was made by 16 .…”

Prevalence of Malaria and Utilization of Insecticides Treated Nets (Itns) Among Pregnant Women in Yola North Local Government Area Adamawa State, Nigeria

“…Malaria is most severe among pregnant women and children under-five in Nigeria, accounting for 95,000 annual child deaths -the leading cause of child mortality (Dasgupta et al, 2021). There is a much higher prevalence of malaria among anaemic children under-five than non-anaemic children (Ugwu & Zewotir, 2020;Morakinyo et al, 2018). The under-fives and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the disease because of undeveloped immunity in them and reduce immunity due to psychological changes that normally takes place in a women during pregnancy respectively.…”