Abstract

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Plasmodium falciparum malaria accounts for up to 80% of malaria cases worldwide, and by far the most important malaria parasite in Africa and it is responsible for over 90% of all malaria cases in Nigeria, with varied symptoms. The risk of malaria infection varies widely according to geographical region, seasons, environment and socio-economic status. This study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (household income),occupation, malaria preventive measures utilisation and prevalence of malaria due to P. falciparum among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in parts of Kaduna Metropolis. A total of 1000 venous blood samples comprised of 500 each from the two study populations were collected in selected hospitals and National Blood Bank. P. falciparum detection and identification was carried out on thick and thin blood films respectively. Also the parasite density (parasitaemia) was determined. The result showed that 34.70% of all the individuals examined were infected by P. falciparum. Infection was significantly higher in females (44.66%) than in males (29.19%) (P<0.05), and influenced significantly by age and gender in both individuals (P<0.05).High prevalence was observed among symptomatic individuals without occupation (47.7%), low and medium income household and among medium income asymptomatic individuals. No significant association was observed between age and parasitaemia in both groups (P>0.05),In conclusion, despite reduction in malaria prevalence, adequate utilisation of combined protective measures and improve economic conditions will help in further reducing the prevalence of P. falciparum infection

Keywords: Prevalence, P. falciparum infection, Socio-economic status, Symptomatic, Asymptomatic Individuals.