Prevalence of malaria infection and Associated Risk Factors among students of Bauchi State University Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Most of the global malaria burden is in sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of malaria infection among students of Bauchi State University Gadau (BASUG), Bauchi State of Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 400 BASUG students was conducted between June and November 2020. A sample of 400 university students aged 15 to 30 years were tested for malaria infection. The thick and thin blood films were prepared and viewed using the standard parasitological microscopy technique to detect the Plasmodium parasite. Data on risk factors were obtained using a simple questionnaire. All collected data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24. A chi-square analysis was performed, and the strength of association was measured using Odds Ratio (OR) at 95 % CI. The overall prevalence of malaria among university students was 59.8%. The differences in the prevalence of malaria infection to sex and age were not statistically significant (p>0.05). There is a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of malaria infection among students who live off-campus and their counterparts (χ2=23.4, df=1, p=0.90) and among students who do not use mosquito nets compared with other students who use it (χ2=23.4, df=1, p=0.90). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the students who stay off-campus are nearly two times more infected with malaria infection than those who lived on-campus [COR (95% CI): 1.56 (1.04-2.35)]. The students who do not sleep under the mosquito-treated net appeared to be at a high risk of malaria infection compared to those who use it [COR (95 % CI): 0.55 (0.36-0.83)]. Malaria is prevalent among the students of BASUG, Bauchi state, and this is glaring evidence indicating malaria is a public health challenge. The non-use of mosquito nets in the study area is one of the major risk factors influencing transmission. Health education on mosquito prevention should educate the students on the importance of using a mosquito bed net, fumigation, and indoor residual spray in their surroundings.