Publications

Title: Temporal analysis of malaria prevalence in Cross River State, Nigeria
Author(s): Ibor, U. W . Okoronkwo, E. M. Rotimi, E.M
Year 2016
Publisher: E3 Journal of Medical Research
URI: https://publications.fulokoja.edu.ng/publication-page.php?i=temporal-analysis-of-malaria-prevalence-in-cross-river-state-nigeria
File: PDF
Keywords: Analysis Malaria prevalence Temporal and Trend

Malaria is one of the most serious health problems that affect millions of people globally and a leading cause of death in Nigeria and Africa at large. Inspite of the alarming rate of the disease, recent trends have not been adequately established to match interventions. This study therefore examined trends in the prevalence and occurrence of malaria in Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study used malaria prevalence dataof 30years (1983 – 2012) collected from the General Hospital Calabar, Cross River State to understand the temporal (monthly) trend in malaria infection between males and females. The results showed that a total of 3,228 cases of malaria were recorded in 30 years (1983–2012). The number of reported cases of malaria increased substantially from 1986 and dropped drastically in 2003. The trend in malaria prevalence from 1983 to 2012 revealed an average of 75.5% increase. The study revealed that malaria was still on the increase. The monthly trend in malaria cases showed that December, January, July and February/April had the highest reported cases of malaria, while August and September had the lowest prevalence of malaria of 152 and 167 cases respectively. The Temporal trend in number of males and females with malaria for a period of 30 years indicated that males reported more cases of malaria than their female counterpart. Based on the results of the findings, the study recommended that more malaria intervention kits such as Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) should be provided to both males and females in the area, alongside with advocacy on the benefits of optimizing such intervention especially at the onset of the dry and rainy seasons.