GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF MALARIA INCIDENCES IN BADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, YOBE STATE NIGERIA

The study analyzed spatio-temporal cases of malaria incidences in Bade local government area, Yobe North Nigeria. The objectives of the study Were to examine the spatial distribution and temporal trend of malaria incidences in the area. Data on malaria for two years (2017 and 2018) were obtained from the Department of Disease and Epidemiology, Bade Local Government Area. Three-Way Analysis of Variance {ANOVA} test was conducted to determine the difference between months, population groups and political wards in terms of malaria incidence in the study area. The findings revealed that there were 202,164 reported cases for the period under study. Sabon Gari ward recorded the highest proportion (28.2%) of the reported malaria cases. About 42% of the entire cases occurred among five years and above (5+) population age group. Results of the 3-way Analysis of Variance further revealed a statistical main effect between wards (F = 93.977, P = 0.000), strong main effect among population group (F = 74.841, P = 0.000), strong main effect for months (F =5.750, P = 0.000). Further, interaction effects between the three independent variables (months, population groups, and political wards) were also significant. Multiple comparison test using LSD and Duncan Ranking were employed to further confirm the results. The study concluded that the area is endemic for malaria as transmission occurs all year round and also confirms the existence of spatio-temporal variability of malariaincidence. The study recommends that individuals, community coalition, policy makers, NonGovernmental Organization should focus more on sensitization, town hall meetings and other means of engagements to curtail this challenge in the area.