Prevalence of Malaria and Predisposing Factors to Antimalarial Drug Resistance in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

High transmission rate and drug resistance have been implicated in the spread and re-emergence of malaria in areas where the disease had been eradicated. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of falciparum malaria and pre-disposing factors to malaria among patients presenting with fever in selected State Hospitals in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Four thousand and sixty six patients were recruited into this study. Scientific and Ethical clearance was obtained for this study. Blood samples were collected for malaria screening from the subjects. Structured questionnaires were administered to patients and parents of infants to determine the factors that could lead to the development of drug resistance by the parasite in the study population. Out of 4066 subjects screened during the study period, 61.1% were positive for falciparum malaria. Highest prevalence of 70.8% was recorded in children 1-5 years, also the group with highest parasitemia (1080). The study showed that 24.6% of the patient visited hospitals for treatment, 12% use local healers while 25.0% bought antimalarial drugs without prescription. Moreover, some subjects use more than one method in their management of malaria. Those who combined antimalarial drugs with traditional medicine from local healers were 17.4%. Only 18% of the sample population used insecticide treated mosquito nets, 42.3% used window and door nets, while 13% did not employ any mosquito preventive method. Uncontrolled use of drugs and exposure of parasites to the drugs should be monitored in areas where the parasite is still sensitive to the drug.

Malaria in the New-born as Seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Review

“…The prevalence of malaria among neonates in this study is 61% and it is comparable to the prevalence rates between 61.1% and 71.4% as reported in previous studies in southern Nigeria [14][15][16] similar prevalence rates have been reported in endemic areas, with a high prevalence of malaria in the first three months of life. The occurrence of malaria in neonates have been attributed to congenital malaria as reported by Sotimehin [17].…”

Medicines dispensers' knowledge on the implementation of an artemisinin-based combination therapy policy for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Tanzania

“…Malaria occurs most often in pregnant women and young children . The greatest burden is in tropical regions, and in Africa, malaria remains one of the most common diagnoses .…”

Antimalarial treatment patterns among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in south east Nigeria and the future implications

“…The vast majority of cases of malaria occur in pregnant women and young children, with the burden of the disease highest among tropical regions including Nigeria . Malaria is one of the major public health problems in Nigeria, with a quarter of the burden in Africa occurring in Nigeria . The disease burden in pregnant women has a double impact, affecting both the mother and the unborn child.…”

“…The consequences of malaria in pregnancy include birth complications such as low birth weight (LBW), still births and reduced immunity as well as increased risk of communicable and non‐communicable diseases and maternal anaemia . Malaria infection in pregnant women also carries a high risk of both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality as well as emotional and economic consequences . Infected pregnant women are also more prone to typhoid fever, further increasing premature deliveries, LBW babies and foetal deaths .…”