The risk factors for malaria in under-fives in Gindiri community of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State

Abstract

Background: Malaria is responsible for 25 % of infant mortality and 30 % of under-5 mortality globally.In Nigeria, it is a huge public health problem with an estimated 300,000 children dying of the disease each year which represents one in every four deaths in childhood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria in under-fives and the risk factors responsible for malaria in Gindiri, a rural community in the North-central part of Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 390 under-fives in Gindiri Community of Mangu LGA, Plateau State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the under-fives. A semistructured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the respondents. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23.0.

Results: The prevalence of malaria by Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) was 34.9%, 74 (34.5%) were females and 62 (35.2%) were males. The use of torn windows/door screens was a major predictor for a positive RDT in under-fives. Majority (91.8%) of households possessed insecticide treated nets but none of them had ever been treated.

Conclusion: Understanding the household and environmental risk factors for malaria is vital in tackling the high burden of malaria in rural communities. The prevalence of malaria among the under-fives in Gindiri is still a public health problem.

Keywords: Malaria, Under-fives, household, environment, risk factors