Malaria infection among persons patronizing drugstores for malaria treatment in Port Harcourt and its environs Rivers, State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria continues to be of grave concern, despite all efforts geared towards its control and so remains a public health dilemma in Nigeria. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of malaria among persons patronizing drugstores for malaria treatment in Port Harcourt and its environs, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained and samples were randomly collected from 24 drug stores in three different locations and analyzed using both microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques. Results: Out of 663 participants, 151(22.78%) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum. None was positive for P. Vivax. Preponderance by location showed that out of 221 sampled in each location, Mile IV (Rumueme) 68(30.77%), Rumuosi had 51(23.08%) and D/Line area 32(14.48%). The occurrence of malaria in the study area was significantly different (X2 = 16.69; p = 0.001). Out of the 151 positive cases, 134 (88.0%) had an intensity level of 1,000 parasites/µl, 16 (10.6%) had an intensity level of 1000-9999 parasites/µl and only 1(0.71%) had an intensity level of ≥10,000parasites/µl (0.71%). (X2 = 2.58; P = 0.275). This implies that majority of those patronizing drugstores for malaria treatments do not have severe malaria. In conclusions: The occurrence of malaria among the study group is high. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of malaria across the three study areas. Therefore, the populace should be encouraged to step up their practice on malaria prevention and control.