CONTROL MEASURES AND MALARIA INCIDENCE AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN CALABAR MUNICIPALITY, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the influence of control measures on malaria incidence among households in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State. Four research questions were posed, and four null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised of 95,281 adult residents between 20 and 59 years old who reside in Calabar Municipality. Using Taro Yamane's formula, the researcher determined the minimum sample size required for effective generalisations to be made to the population. However, stratified and accidental sampling procedures were adopted to select a sample of 398 adults aged 20 to 59. Primary data were obtained in this study by administering copies of the instruments. Data collected were statistically analysed, and the null hypotheses were all tested at the .05 alpha level using the independent t-test statistical technique. Findings emerged that outdoor fumigation, indoor residual spraying, and clearing of surrounding bushes significantly influence the incidence of malaria in Calabar Municipality respectively. Specifically, malaria incidence was higher among households that reported low outdoor fumigation practices, low indoor residual spraying, and low clearing of surrounding bushes compared to those with high fumigation practice, high indoor residual spraying and high clearing of surrounding bushes. In contrast, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets has no significant influence on malaria incidence in Calabar Municipality. No significant mean difference in malaria incidence was recorded for households with high and low use of insecticide-treated bed nets in Calabar Municipality. Based on these findings, it was concluded that while bed nets remain a widely advocated preventive measure, their effectiveness may vary depending on local contexts and other concurrent interventions. It was recommended, among others, that households should actively participate in fumigation activities, ensure thorough coverage of outdoor areas, and maintain regularity in fumigation efforts.