Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria among Children Residing in Urban and Peri-urban Settlements in Rivers State.

Abstract

Urban and peri-urban areas are considered to be at lower risk of malaria compared to rural areas because of improved housing, higher socioeconomic status, improved environmental sanitation, and a limited number of breeding sites for mosquitoes. Reports have shown that there is an increased prevalence of malaria in urban and peri-urban areas but it has not been established which of these areas is at risk. The aim of this study, therefore, is to determine the prevalence rate of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection among children in urban and peri-urban areas of Rivers State. A total of 601 and 500 blood samples were collected from urban and peri-urban areas respectively and examined using standard microscopy technique for detection of malaria parasites in blood samples. From the urban area, 282 tested positive out of 601 blood samples that were examined, giving the prevalence rate of 47% while in the peri-urban settlement, a total of 210 out of 500 tested positive to Plasmodium falciparum giving the prevalence rate of 42%. When the age was considered, the highest prevalence was recorded in children between 1-3 years and 7-12 years in urban settlement while in peri-urban, the highest prevalence was recorded in children between the age of 4-6 years with a prevalence of 45% and 46% respectively. Although the prevalence rates are relatively high. There is no significant difference between the prevalence rate in urban areas and that of peri-urban areas. Conclusively, intensive efforts should be made in controlling malaria parasites not only in rural areas but also in urban and peri-urban areas in Rivers State.