Epidemiology of Malaria in Bauchi North, Bauchi State Nigeria: Prevalence and Determinants of the Infection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2541.025Keywords:
Malaria prevalence, Risk factors, Bauchi North, Socioeconomic impact, Environmental determinantsAbstract
Study’s Excerpt:
• The study assessed malaria prevalence and risk factors in Bauchi North, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
• Microscopy detected the parasite, while structured questionnaires identified infection determinants.
• Results showed a high malaria burden with variations by age and socioeconomic status.
• Findings highlight the need for public health interventions targeting high-risk, vulnerable groups.
• Findings can guide policymakers in malaria treatment, control, and prevention efforts.
Full Abstract:
Malaria remains a leading public health concern globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria bearing a significant burden of the disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess malaria prevalence and associated risk factors among patients attending healthcare facilities in Bauchi North, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 300 patients suspected of having malaria were enrolled, and blood samples were analyzed using microscopy of thick blood film stained with Giemsa’s stain. The presence of gametocytes, trophozoites, or schizonts, which stained dark blue, indicated positive results. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect demographic and risk factor data. The overall prevalence of malaria was 40%, with higher prevalence rates among females (27%) compared to males (13%) and among adults aged 25–64 years (24%). Rural residents (29.67%), individuals from low-income families (20.67%), and those exposed to poor housing and environmental conditions exhibited higher prevalence rates. The key risk factors assessed included residence of the patients, use of a net, and socioeconomic status, among which a history of fever within two weeks prior to the study (p = 0.006) was the only statistically significant risk factor associated with malaria at p < 0.05. Logistic regression analysis confirmed fever history as the primary predictor of malaria (COR = 0.438, 95% CI = 0.242–0.792). These findings highlighted the need for targeted malaria control interventions focusing on high-risk groups and environmental management. Strengthened public health campaigns are essential to improve awareness of the danger of malaria, its modes of transmission, infection agents, and preventive measures in underserved areas.
References
Balcha, F., Menna, T., & Lombamo, F. (2023). Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors among pregnant women at Boset District in East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. Malaria Journal, 22, 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-023-04460-2
Bolaji, O., Adekunle, O., Adeyemo, A., Ojewuyi, A., Ajayi, A., & Rufai, A. (2023). Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Western Nigeria Journal of Medical Science, 6(1), 23–28.
Ceesay, S. J., Casals-Pascual, C., Erskine, J., Anya, S. E., Duah, N. O., Fulford, A. J., & Conway, D. J. (2008). Changes in malaria indices between 1999 and 2007 in The Gambia: A retrospective analysis. The Lancet, 372(9649), 1545–1554. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61654-2
Elechi, H. A., Rabasa, A. I., Muhammad, F. B., Garba, M. A., Abubakar, G. F., & Umoru, M. A. (2015). Prevalence and pattern of malaria parasitemia among under-five febrile children attending pediatric outpatient clinic at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri. Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics, 42(4), 319–324. https://doi.org/10.4314/njp.v42i4.7
Iwuafor, A. A., Egwuatu, C. C., Nnachi, A. U., Akujobi, C. N., & Ita, I. O. (2016). Malaria-related febrile illness and the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for malaria control amongst under-five-year-old children in Calabar, Nigeria. BMC Infectious Diseases, 16, 151–160. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-016-1459-5
Kumar, D. S., Andimuthu, R. A., Rajan, R., & Venkatesan, M. S. (2014). Spatial trend, environmental, and socioeconomic factors associated with malaria prevalence in Chennai. Malaria Journal, 13, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-13-14
Kwale, K., Asika, A., & Adiel, T. (2021). Prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women attending Specialist Hospital Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. South Asian Journal of Parasitology, 4(2), 65–72.
Lawal, S., Ahmed, A., & Lawal, U. (2023). Prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria among pregnant women attending selected public health facilities within Kastina metropolis, Kastina State, Nigeria. UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research, 8(2), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.2382.002
Magaji, A., & Mahnud, Z. (2025). Malaria and typhoid co-infection among patients attending health facilities in Bauchi North, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (DUJOPAS), 11(1b).
Mawili-Mboumba, D. P., Akotet, M. R., Kendjo, E., Nzamba, J., Medang, M. O., Mbina, J. M., Kombila, M., & MCORU Team. (2013). Increase in malaria prevalence and age-at-risk population in different areas of Gabon. Malaria Journal, 12, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-12-3
Mohammed, H. I., Mukhtar, I. M., & Sadiq, H. A. (2020). Malaria and typhoid fever: Prevalence, co-infection, and sociodemographic determinants among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a primary healthcare facility in Central Nigeria. International Journal of Pathogen Research, 5(4), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpr/2020/v5i430140
National Population Commission, & National Malaria Control Programme. (2016). Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) 2015: Final report. Federal Republic of Nigeria. Retrieved from https://dhsprogram.com/pdf
Nwaneli, E. I., Eguonu, I., Ebenebe, J. C., Osuorah, C. D. I., Ofiaeli, O. C., & Nri-ezedi, C. A. (2020). Malaria prevalence and its sociodemographic determinants in febrile children: A hospital-based study in a developing community in South-East Nigeria. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 61(2), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.2.1350
Ogah, A. O., Ezeonwumelu, J. O. C., Okoruwa, A. G., Adiukwu, C. P., Ajayi, A. M., & Akib, S. (2013). Manifestations of severe malaria among the under-five children attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi, Western Uganda: Pilot study. British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 4(3), 128–135. https://doi.org/10.19026/bjpt.4.5390
Ohalete, C., Dozie, I., Nwachukwu, M., & Obiukwu, C. (2020). A study of socioeconomic effect and epidemiology of malaria in pregnant women in Imo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 8(6), 1–6.
Okolo, M., Adeshina, K., Omotola, C., Mudi, I., & Ugbane, E. (2023). Prevalence of malaria and typhoid fever co-infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. Microbes and Infectious Diseases, 4(2), 671–680.
Onyemaechi, N., & Malann, Y. (2020). Malaria prevalence investigation among pregnant women in relation to their social well-being: A case study of Lugbe and Gosa, Abuja, Nigeria. International Journal of Pathogen Research, 4(2), 7–15.
Reuters. (2024, October 17). Nigeria rolls out new Oxford R21 malaria vaccine. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/nigeria-rolls-out-new-oxford-r21-malaria-vaccine-2024-10-17/
Sale, M., Pukuma, M., Adedeji, B., & Shehu, A. (2020). Prevalence of typhoid and malaria coinfection among patients attending a public hospital in Yola, Nigeria. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 7(3), 42–47.
Simon-Oke, I., Ogunseem, M., Afolabi, O., & Awosolu, O. (2019). Prevalence of malaria parasites among pregnant women and children under five years in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research, 5(1), 5–10. https://doi.org/10.14710/jbtr.v5i1.3711
Simon-Oke, I., & Akinbote, M. (2020). Prevalence of malaria and typhoid co-infection in relation to the haematological profile of university students in Akure, Nigeria. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, 6(5), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.23937/2474-3658/1510166
The Guardian. (2024, December 11). Malaria cases rise for the fifth year as disasters and resistance hamper control efforts. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/dec/11/global-health-deaths-malaria-rise-drug-insecticide-resistance-climate-crisis-funding-un
Ugwuibe, C. O., Onah, F. N., & Olise, C. N. (2021). Chapter 23 - Flood disasters in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria: Policy options. In T. Chaiechi (Ed.), Economic effects of natural disasters (pp. 373–380). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817465-4.00023-6
Umaru, M. L., & Uyaiabasi, G. N. (2015). Prevalence of malaria in patients attending the General Hospital Makarfi, Makarfi Kaduna State, North-Western Nigeria. American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, 3(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajidm-3-1-1
World Health Organization. (2022). World malaria report 2022. Geneva, Switzerland. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/365169
World Health Organization. (2023). World malaria report 2023. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/reports/world-malaria-report-2023
Yusuf, F., Sadau, Y., Natasha, P., & Lai, I. (2023). Effects of malaria parasitemia on hematological parameters of pregnant women attending Gombe Specialist Hospital. Bima Journal of Science and Technology, 7(1), 397.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Auwal Magaji, Zinat Mahmud, Adamu Yakubu, Rilwanu Salihu Maradun, Salim Aminu, Sabiu Aminu

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.