Prevalence of Malaria in University of Uyo Hostel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria has so far been a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes in Nigeria at large and among students of University of Uyo hostels as a case study. Despite the massive increase in public and private efforts, research, symposiums and conferences to curb malaria over the years, it remains one of the most salient global health concerns. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of malaria in University of Uyo hostel. Questionnaires were given to the participant for their consent and standard methods of blood analysis for malaria test were employed for this research. A total number of participant for this research were 105 students who resides in the school hostel. The result from this study revealed malaria disease to be 64%. Females recorded highest of 58.38% against male with 40.62%. Age group 23-26 recorded highest while lowest was recorded for 15-18. The percentages of students using and not using LLINs were 48.57% and 51.43% respectively. However, positive results recorded for both cases were 41.12% and 62.50% respectively. 96.19% 0f the students were knowledgeable of the control of malaria with the use of LLINs. Conclusively, based on this research; malaria is still a threat to the University of Uyo hostel residents. Based on these results, it is therefore pertinent for Students to be properly and regularly sensitized on malaria, its prevalence, control, treatment and preventive measures.