Epidemiological Studies of Malaria in Gboko Metropolis, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a significant parasitic disease of public health importance in the world due to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Objectives: We carried out an epidemiological study of malaria in Gboko metropolis in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, North - Central Nigeria, to determine the malaria prevalence, risk factors, and perceptions of malaria eradication among patients attending hospital clinics between the months of April and June, 2021. Materials and Methods: We used Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), thin blood and thick blood film microscopy for the parasitological investigations of the blood samples of four hundred and fifteen (415) hospital patients. Also, structured questionnaire was administered to the same individuals to obtain information on malaria management practices of the people. Chi-square test P<0.05 was used to check for relationships between prevalence of malaria and other parameters in the study. Results: The prevalence rate for both sampling methods used were found to be (55.7%) 231/415 and all (100%) were parasitic infections of Plasmodium falciparum. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in both the prevalence by age and hospital. The intensity of malaria infection showed that 45.9% (106/231) had moderate infection with no significant difference. The administration of questionnaire in the study shows that the respondents in Gboko demonstrated a good knowledge of malaria. Conclusion: Malaria public enlightenment efforts should be intensified to make malaria elimination not just possible but also achievable in Gboko Metropolis, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.