Malaria Prevalence and Haemoglobin Level Assessment among Patients Attending a Healthcare Facility in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to assess malaria prevalence and haemoglobin (Hb) level among patients attending a healthcare facility in Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Methodology: Study Design: Malaria parasite infection among the patients was determined by microscopy while the Hb levels was determined using the Mission Haemoglobin test meter. A total of 550 patients who came for consultation at the outpatient clinic of the hospital and whose written informed consents were obtained were randomly recruited for the study. This comprised of 288 adult males and 262 non-pregnant adult females. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Outpatient Clinic of Gwarinpa General Hospital, a healthcare facility in Abuja, North Central Nigeria. The study was conducted from March 2019 to May 2019. Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 60.6%. The prevalence was significantly different both by age and gender (P < 0.05).  In adult males the malaria prevalence was 64.2% while it was 56.5% in non-pregnant adult females. The mean Hb level among malaria positive patients was10.3g/dL while it was 12.5 g/dL among malaria negative patients. The mean Hb level in malaria positive adult males was 9.7 g/dL while it was 13.8 g/dL in malaria negative adult males. Also the mean Hb level in malaria positive non-pregnant females was 9.2 g/dL while it was 12.3 g/dL in malaria negative non-pregnant females. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that there was a significant difference at the 0.05 level. Conclusion: It was concluded from the results of this study that malaria parasite infection if not confirmed by malaria test and treated promptly may lower haemoglobin levels and lead to anaemia in affected patients.