Prevalence of Malaria and it Relationship among Children Less than Five Years Old and Socio-economic Factors of Mothers/Caregivers in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Children less than five years old are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the disease. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and intensity of malaria among children less than five years old in five major health facilities in Awka Metropolis. A total of 678 blood samples were obtained from children that attended these health facilities from January to June, 2025. The samples were processed and examined microscopically for the presence of malaria parasites. Of the 678 blood samples examined, 576 (85.0%) were positive however, most of the positive cases 492(85.4%) had a mild infection. The prevalence was highest (87.0%) in Primary Health Centre, Okpuno. Female children were more infected (87.7%) than their male counterpart (82.1%). Malaria was highest (96.9%) among children between 13-24 months old. On the mothers/caregivers level of literacy, the highest prevalence (92.3%) was observed among children whose mothers/caregivers had primary school. Similarly, children whose mothers/caregivers were housewives had the highest prevalence of malaria (97.5%). Based on marital status, children whose mothers/caregivers were married had the highest prevalence of malaria (91. 0%).This study showed that a substantial number of children in Awka still have malaria, and it calls for a re-evaluation of the control/elimination strategies that have been adopted until now.