The Prevalence of Malaria Infection Among Secondary School Students In Oba Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria

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Authors : Ogolo B.A, Urindwanayo D, Obieze K.O, Ogbuagu C. N, Ekwunife C. A

Abstract:

A cross sectional study on the prevalence of malaria infection among secondary school students in Oba Idemil South Local Government Area Anambra State, Nigeria was carried out between January and April 2009. A total of 300 students (161 males and 139 females) were involved in the study. Venous blood containing Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic Acid (EDTA) of the 300 students was screened for malaria parasites using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. Of the 300 blood samples examined, 31 (10.3%) were positive for malaria parasite. Plasmodium falciparum was identified in all the positive cases. Prevalence rate of 16 (9.9%) was recorded in males while prevalence rate in females was 15 (10.8%); this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.809, p> 0.05). The private schools recorded a higher prevalence 23(13.5%) than the public schools 8(6.2%); this difference was statistically significant (p=0.026, p< 0.05). The findings of this study emphasize the need for health education in school, churches and community in order to control malaria in the area.

KEYWORDS Malaria, prevalence, Secondary school, students.

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