Abstract
The present study aimed at understanding the dynamics of malaria infection in Anambra State, Nigeria using socio-demographic risk factors, haematological and biochemical profile as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of respondents towards control of both infections. Participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique and a total of 2,550 subjects were enrolled for the study. The prevalence of malaria was determined using gold-standard – microscopy. The results revealed that 1,891 (72.4%) out of the total subjects studied were malaria positive. The highest prevalence of malaria was recorded in Anambra North senatorial zone (75.0%). Females presented with a higher rate of malaria infection with 77.9% prevalence than males with 70.0%. Individuals who are 31 - 40 years old had the highest malaria prevalence of 93.4%. Traders and farmers had the highest malaria prevalence of 83.4%. Participants with non-formal education had the highest malaria prevalence of 83.0%. The prevalence of haematological and biochemical abnormalities were obtained from those infected with malaria only and were as followed: PCV 7.0%, WBC 94.0%, neutrophil 47.9%, lymphocyte 33.7%, eosinophil 56.6%, monocyte 58.1%, platelets 44.2%, AST 23.1%, ALT 31.7%, ALP 26.6%, glucose 37.8%, protein 23.3%, nitrite 14.7% and bilirubin 16.7%. The highest drug of choice of the respondents was artemisinin combined therapy (ACT) (55.8%). The four most important herbal remedies were: Azadiracta indica (71.7%), Moringa oleifera (45.0%), Allium sativum (44.0%) and Zingibe officinale (40.0%). The results highlight the need to prioritize educating the populace in future public health campaigns to increase knowledge and reduce misperception.
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