Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Infection among Symptomatic Attendees of Selected Public Healthcare Facilities in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Plasmodium falciparum remains the predominant cause of malaria morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite control interventions, malaria burdens in urban centres such as Port Harcourt persist, driven by ecological, socio-economic, and healthcare access factors. Objective: To determine the prevalence of P. falciparum infection among symptomatic individuals attending selected public healthcare facilities in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and September 2025 across seven public healthcare facilities in Port Harcourt metropolis. Symptomatic individuals aged ≥1 year who presented with fever or malaria-like symptoms were recruited consecutively. Venous blood samples were screened for malaria parasites using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films, with P. falciparum species confirmed microscopically. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a significance level of P<.05. Results: Of 829 participants screened (mean age: 27.4± 18.8 years; 59.8% female, 40.2% male), 276 tested positive for malaria parasites, yielding an overall prevalence of 33.3% P. falciparum infection. There were differences in prevalence rates across various study locations (χ²=8.20, P=.314). The highest prevalence was observed among participants aged 11-20 years (50.5%), while the lowest prevalence was found in those aged ≥ 61 years (12.5%) (χ²=31.54, P<0.0001). Sex-based prevalence showed that males had 32.1% while the females had 34.1% (χ²=0.3378, P=.561). Conclusion: The high prevalence of P. falciparum infection among symptomatic individuals in Port Harcourt underscores the need to strengthen malaria control strategies, enhance vector management, and improve public awareness, particularly targeting children who are less than 10 years.