A six year review of the trends in prevalence of malaria infection in children in secondary and tertiary health care outlet in Anambra state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the trends of malaria infection among in children in the paediatric unit of some tertiary and secondary health outlet in Anambra State, Nigeria over a six year period. A retrospective study of malaria prevalence in children aged 0 – 14.9 years between January 2005 and December 2010 was conducted to establish the trends. There was an increase in the number of children with malaria infection from 2005 to 2010. Seasonal prevalence occurred with 52.3% malaria parasite infection during rainy season and 47.7% during the dry season. Children between the ages of 0 – 3 years had the highest malaria prevalence between 2005 – 2010. There was an overall yearly increase in the number of malaria cases which may be as a result of influx of mothers/caregivers to the hospitals for further treatment after initial home management of malaria in their children.

Keywords: Trends, Malaria, Prevalence, Children, Tertiary and secondary health outlet, Anambra State, Nigeria