Prevalence of malaria parasite in children 1 to 12 years attending Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City

Malaria is an endemic challenge in Nigeria, with about 588 million people at risk. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria parasite in children 1 to 12 years attending Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City. A sample size of (298) with 228 subjects diagnosed of malaria as test and 70 subjects as control (apparently healthy children) within the age of 1-12 years. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the subjects packed cell volume, to detect the presence of malaria parasites using rapid diagnostic test and microscopy methods. Data was analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that 29.8% of the children tested positive to malaria parasites. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of malaria among male and female subjects. The prevalence rates of the malaria were found to be higher among the children between the age of 9-12 years (36.9%). The analysis showed that there was no different in the reaction between RDT test result and microscope method results. The highest packed cell volume was recorded among children between 1-4 years ranging from 20% to 43% with Mean±Standard deviation value of 32.52±5.46%. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the PCV. The female had the highest packed cell volume ranging from 27% to 43% with Mean±Standard deviation value of 33.78±3.78%. Therefore, the information from this study is relevant for the proper management of malaria infection in children with the study area.