Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Malaria among Under-Five in Rumuigbo Town, Obio-Akpor L.G.A, Rivers State, Nigeria
Eunice Anyalewechi Nwoke, Dan Chima Amadi, S. N. Ibe, Onyinyechi Blessed Nworuh · International Journal of Innovative Research and Development · 2017
Aims The three objectives that guided the study include; determining if parents socio-demographic and economic variables (Monthly income, mothers literacy level and occupation) affect the prevalence of malaria in Rumuigbo, to determine if the use of insecticide treated nets is a determinant factor in the sustenance of malaria among under-five in the area and to ascertain if environmental factors (living close to stagnant water, blocked drains and water retaining plants) are determinants in the prevalence of malaria among under-five in Rumuigbo town. Study Design: A descriptive survey research design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Rumuigbo town, Obio-Akpor L.G.A, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was for a period of 3months (October to December 2015). Methodology : A Structured, standardized and reliable (r = 0.8) questionnaire was administered to 480 care givers of under-fives systematically sampled from 3 hospitals in Rumuigbo town with a population of 4,796 patients. Results: The result indicated that 202(42%) were males while 278 (58%) were females. The prevalence of malaria was 62% in Rumuigbo. In regards to the care givers literacy level, the highest 29% had primary education and P>0.05, thus educational level of care givers was not statistically significant in malaria occurrence among the under-five in this study. Chi-square result revealed that mothers’ occupation (P 0.05) was not statistically significant to malaria prevalence in Rumuigbo town. Conclusion: Mothers should be enlightened on the risk factors of malaria. There should also be enlightenment campaign on the use of ITNs to reduce the prevalence of malaria among under-five.