Malaria Parasitemia and Associated Risk Factors in Primary School Children in A Southeastern Nigerian
C. A. Imakwu *
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. S. Ebere
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
E. G. Nnelife
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
O. A. Okeke
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. U. Uzochukwu
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
I. E. Obiefule
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
E. O. Ogbuefi
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
U. A. Ubaka
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
O. C. Chiamah
Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
I. C. Ginikanwa
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Malaria is a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where children are disproportionately affected. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of malaria parasitemia and its associated risk factors among primary school children in Nawfia, a community in Anambra state. The study enrolled 120 primary school children aged 8-15. Malaria parasitemia was diagnosed using microscopic examination of thick blood smears, and potential risk factors were collected through structured questionnaires. The results revealed a high prevalence of malaria parasitemia among primary school children in Nawfia, with 91.7% (n=110) testing positive for malaria. Bivariate analysis identified the presence of bushes surrounding the house as the only significant risk factor linked to malaria infection in the area (p<0.05). In contrast, other measured factors, such as proximity to stagnant water bodies, limited use of indoor residual spraying, and exposure of the body at night, were not found to be significantly correlated with malaria infection (p>0.05). The identified risk factor suggests that malaria control measures in the community should focus on environmental management. Therefore, it is essential to educate communities about proper sanitation and malaria prevention strategies to achieve sustainable reductions in malaria transmission.
Keywords: Malaria parasitemia, primary school children, risk factors, bushes around houses, environmental management, Nawfia, Anambra State