Malaria and Associated Risk Factors in Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Malaria is still a major contributor to high rate of the global infectious disease–related mortality and morbidity due to its marked effects and alteration on the haematological parameters of infected individuals. This study was conducted to determine the following: prevalence and intensity of malaria, the associated risk factors of in Awka metropolis from January to June 2021. A total of 1060 subjects were enrolled int the study. Prevalence of malaria parasites was determined using thick and thin films. A total 925 individuals were infected with malaria parasite giving a prevalence of 87.3%. Of the 925 individuals infected, 743(80.3%) had mild infection, 150 (16.2%) moderate infection. The study showed that more males (94.2%) were infected with the malaria parasite than females (80.6%). The highest prevalence of malaria (94.3%) occurred among those less than ten years old while the least prevalence (72.2%) was recorded among those more than sixty years old. The prevalence of malaria in relation to age was statistically significant (p<0.05). In relation to occupation, farmers recorded the highest prevalence of malaria (94.7%) while civil servants had the least prevalence (65.4%). Based on literacy level, the highest prevalence of malaria was recorded among those with primary education (96.8%) while those with tertiary education had the least prevalence (84.3%). On marital status, married ones had the highest prevalence of malaria (91.9%) while the singles had the least prevalence (80.1%). The high prevalence of malaria in Awka calls for intensive education and free supply of insecticide treated nets.