Mapping Malaria Case Event and Factors of Vulnerability to Malaria in Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria: Using GIS

Abstract

The paper examines the spatial patterns of malaria case event, people’s perception of transmission and prevention of malaria, and the factors of vulnerability to malaria in, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Data on malaria reported cases (2004-2007) was obtained from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife. Ile-Ife town comprising of two LGAs was stratified into the 21 existing administrative wards (neighbourhoods); in which 200 questionnaire were administered to households. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System analytical operations employed with ArcGIS 9.2 include query, overlay among others. Results show there exists spatial variation in the occurrence of malaria with the highest cases recorded at Ilare1 (73), while Yekemi, Akarabata, Okewere1 and Modakeke2 have no reported case. Three mosquito prevention practices were reported, the use of mosquito repellent (30%), insecticide (20.5%) and bed-net (7.5%). Chi square analysis shows that significant relationship existed at p<0.05 between bed-net usage and income level (X² =13.520) and bed-net usage and education level (X² =1.012) Some observed environmental and  behavioural factors make people vulnerable to malaria; for instance, 57.5% of households have temporary pools of water and water containers favourable for the breeding of mosquitoes around their dwellings. Also, 56.5% of the housing units surveyed do not have good drainages and 62.5% with no proper means of refuse disposal. The study concludes that the occurrence of malaria varies over space. Hence, malaria prevention efforts should take cognizance of spatial peculiarities as well as access to resources.

Key words: Malaria case event; prevention; vulnerability; GIS; Nigeria.