PREVALENCE OF MALARIA AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING BADIRISA AND HAYIN GADA PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN GIREI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among women of reproductive age. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria among women attending Primary Health Care Centers in Badirisa and Hayin Gada communities, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 111 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) recruited through purposive and convenience sampling. Malaria diagnosis was performed using microscopic examination of thick and thin blood films (gold standard). Demographic data including age and gravidity were collected using structured questionnaires. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and chi-square tests using Minitab Version 20.
Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 37.0% (41/111). Age-specific analysis revealed highest prevalence (49.2%) among women aged 15-24 years, decreasing progressively to 24.4% among those aged 35-44 years. Gravidity showed a strong inverse association with malaria infection: primigravidae (first pregnancy) exhibited 60.0% prevalence compared to 34.5% among multigravidae (G2-G4) and 27.3% among grand multigravidae (G5+).
Conclusion: Malaria is highly prevalent among women in Badirisa and Hayin Gada communities, with primigravidae and younger women (15-24 years) identified as the most vulnerable groups. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions including enhanced IPTp coverage, LLIN distribution, and health education focused on high-risk demographics.
Keywords: malaria prevalence, women, gravidity, Girei LGA, Adamawa State, primigravidae, Plasmodium falciparum
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