Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among residents proximal to environmental waste dumpsites in Gwagwalada metropolis, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a widely explored public health topic which has been documented to constitute more burden among communities residing in proximity to environmental waste dumpsites and poor drainage systems. Objective: This present study sets to examine and compare whether there are more cases of malaria parasitemia burden among people residing proximal and those not proximal to dump sites at Gwagwalada metropolis. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative survey which involved 100 blood samples collected from 25 households proximal to environmental waste dumpsites (test subjects) and another 100 from 25 households that are not proximal to dumpsites (control subjects) in Gwagwalada metropolis of Federal Capital Territory Abuja. These samples were analyzed using standard malaria microscopy. Results: Prevalence of malaria parasitemia was 82.0% among test subjects and 26.0% among control subjects. The highest malaria density recorded was >10,000 parasites/μL in 34 test subjects whereas none was observed from control subjects. Malaria parasitemia among test subjects was common among children (1-10 years) and least among 41-50 years. There was statistical relationship between malaria parasitemia among residents proximal to environmental waste dumpsites, more so with their age distribution (P 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study are a clear demonstration that accumulation of waste dumpsites in proximity to residential areas constitutes a pathway to malaria burden, consequently dumpsites should be properly located and managed to minimize their effects on the environment and health of man.