Journal of Disease and Global Health

Malaria is a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria experiencing the highest burden worldwide. In endemic areas like Abakaliki, it is essential to understand both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, along with the environmental factors that contribute to transmission. A cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients at a tertiary healthcare facility in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Malaria parasites were detected and quantified using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. Demographic information, presence of symptoms and data on environmental risk factors were also collected from the outpatients through structured questionnaires. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the ethics committee of the healthcare facility. Data analysis utilized the chi-square test and binary logistic regression to assess percentages, the association between infection status and demographic variables, and potential risk factors, respectively. The overall prevalence of malaria in the study population was found to be 55.0% (n=60). Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between malaria infection and the examined socio-demographic factors (p > 0.05). Among the outpatients who tested positive for malaria, 38.38% (n=23) reported symptoms, while 61.7% (n=37) were asymptomatic. Significant risk factors for malaria infection identified among the outpatients included lack of access to sanitation facilities (OR=3.771, 95% CI= 1.284-11.075, P=0.016) and the presence of standing water near the home (OR=3.663; 95% CI=1.466-9.174; p=0.005). These results highlight a high malaria burden in Abakaliki, primarily driven by environmental and infrastructural deficiencies rather than demographic factors. The identification of asymptomatic carriers underscores a persistent reservoir for transmission.