PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF MALARIA INFECTION AMONG ABDU GUSAU POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria infection among students of Abdu Gusau Polytechnic. A total of 58.1% of participants reported experiencing at least one episode of malaria in the past year, indicating a significant public health concern within this demographic. Key environmental risk factors identified included proximity to stagnant water, poor ventilation, and inadequate sanitation. Behavioral factors such as inconsistent use of mosquito nets and delayed health-seeking behavior further exacerbated the risk of malaria transmission. The analysis did not reveal statistically significant associations between sociodemographic factors (gender, age, location, and residence) and malaria prevalence. However, trends indicated a protective effect of preventive measures, including the use of mosquito nets (18% prevalence among users) and vaccination (26% prevalence in vaccinated individuals), despite the lack of statistical significance. These findings align with or contrast existing literature, highlighting the complexity of malaria transmission dynamics. The study underscores the urgent need for public health campaigns focusing on vaccination and mosquito control measures. Recommendations include promoting the use of preventive measures, encouraging higher vaccination rates, conducting further research with larger sample sizes, and educating communities about the importance of sanitation and vector control to mitigate malaria infection risks.