MALARIA PREVALENCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL STATUS OF INDIVIDUALS IN LAFIAGYIBADEGI COMMUNITY, KATCHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malaria transmitted by Plasmodium infected female Anopheles mosquito is a severe public health challenge that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. A survey of malaria and hematological status of individuals in Lafiagyi Badegi community, Katcha Local Government area of Niger state North Central Nigeria was conducted in January, 2023. Questionnaires were administered to a total population of 60 individuals of varying ages and weights. The blood samples of the subjects was collected into Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) bottles for malaria rapid diagnostic test, haematocrit and haemoglobin assays. The results showed 29.9 % of the total population tested positive for malaria. The prevalence of malaria (16.67 %) was higher in the male population than in female while on the basis of age,10-17 years showed higher malaria prevalence (10 %). Malaria-positive individuals had significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of haemoglobin but higher levels of packed cell volume compared to malaria-negative individuals. There were fluctuations in bodyweight for age groups and malaria status, mean weight for age group 10-17 years positive for malaria was 28.4 kg while for malaria negative was 25 kg. Also 51.8 kg and 57.85 kg for age group 18-25 years positive and negative to malaria respectively. The battle to eradicate malaria is yet to be won therefore, regular malaria prevalence surveys are to be carried out and malaria and mosquito control strategies should be improved upon and sustained to further reduce malaria prevalence.