Malaria Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Pyakasa Community in Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is a vector-born life-threatening disease transmitted by Mosquito and is widespread in many tropical countries, including Nigeria causing illness and death in diverse demographics. The study, therefore, determined the prevalence of malaria and associated risk factors among the residents of Pyakasa Community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of Abuja. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 participants, aged 2 to 80 years, who were randomly selected in the community. Malaria prevalence was determined by using malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDTs). Data on socio-demographic factors and associated risk factors were assessed t h r o u g h a s t r u c t u r e d s e l f - i n t e r v i e w questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using Microsoft excel 2013 and SPSS version 27 software. The result of the data analysis showed that out of 423 participants, 259 (61.2%) of them had malaria infection. 66.0% of the males were infected, while 57.2% of the female counterparts had malaria infection. The age group of 2-10 years has the highest malaria infection rate of 66.7%, followed with those within the age cohort of 11-20 years who got 60.0% infection rate. Age-group of 21-30 years had 59.7% infection rate. Those of 31-40 years, 41-50 years and 51-60 years, had 56.6%, 58.5%, 50.0% and 33.3% infection rates respectively. Housing type (p=0.000), presence of waste (p=0.011), insecticide treated net (p=0.000), indoor residual spray (p=0.041), mosquito coil (p=0.000), presence of stagnant water (p=0.004) and history of malaria (p=0.004) where found to be the associated risk factors of malaria in the community. There is a significant relationship between education (p=0.000), occupation (p=0.001) and malaria infection. A multi-faceted approach, encompassing health education, improved access to preventive tools, environmental management, and sanitation practices, are crucial in combatting malaria and improving the overall health and well-being of the Pyakasa community residents.