Prevalence and intensity of malaria infection and associated risk factors in Anambra State, Nigeria

The present study aimed at understanding the dynamics of malaria infection in Anambra State, Nigeria using socio-demographic risk factors, haematological and biochemical profile as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of respondents towards control of both infections. Participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique and a total of 2,550 subjects were enrolled for the study. The prevalence of malaria was determined using gold-standard – microscopy. The results revealed that 1,891 (72.4%) out of the total subjects studied were malaria positive. The highest prevalence of malaria was recorded in Anambra North senatorial zone (75.0%). Females presented with a higher rate of malaria infection with 77.9% prevalence than males with 70.0%. Individuals who are 31 - 40 years old had the highest malaria prevalence of 93.4%. Traders and farmers had the highest malaria prevalence of 83.4%. Participants with non-formal education had the highest malaria prevalence of 83.0%. The prevalence of haematological and biochemical abnormalities were obtained from those infected with malaria only and were as followed: PCV 7.0%, WBC 94.0%, neutrophil 47.9%, lymphocyte 33.7%, eosinophil 56.6%, monocyte 58.1%, platelets 44.2%, AST 23.1%, ALT 31.7%, ALP 26.6%, glucose 37.8%, protein 23.3%, nitrite 14.7% and bilirubin 16.7%. The highest drug of choice of the respondents was artemisinin combined therapy (ACT) (55.8%). The four most important herbal remedies were: Azadiracta indica (71.7%), Moringa oleifera (45.0%), Allium sativum (44.0%) and Zingibe officinale (40.0%). The results highlight the need to prioritize educating the populace in future public health campaigns to increase knowledge and reduce misperception.