Assessment of Gender and Age - Related Prevalence of Malaria in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Malaria remains one of the most complex and debilitating parasitic diseases in many regions of the world. A cross sectional study was carried out to assess gender and age - related prevalence of malaria in Birnin Kebbi using the rapid test kits (RTD). Blood samples were collected from consenting family members by cleaning the thumb with alcohol swab and pricking using a sterile lancet. Thereafter, the drop of blood collected is tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic test kit (RTD). Out of the 300 samples tested, 62(20.7%) were positive for malaria. The distribution between males and females were not significantly different (Males: 52.7% Vs Females: 47.3%; P> 0.05).  Prevalence of infection, though highest among subjects of age group 11-20 years (31.4%) and lowest among younger children of 0-10 years (13.3%), showed no significant variation in distribution (P=0.113). It was therefore concluded that malaria was prevalent in Birnin Kebbi, and neither gender nor age of the residents is of significant influence on its distribution at Birnin Kebbi. Therefore, further studies on socioeconomic, environmental, behaviuoral or other malaria related factors are needed to ascertain the determinants of the disease in the community.