Assessment of Malaria Incidence and Associated Risk factor among Children Aged 1-15 Years in Specialist Hospital, JimetaYola

Assessment of Malaria Incidence and Associated Risk factor among Children Aged 1-15 Years in Specialist Hospital, JimetaYola. 1Samuel Danley and 2Elizabeth Oluwatosin Olugbami 1*Sociocapital Impact Group. No.4 Natasha Akpoti Street, Kado Abuja Nigeria. 2Modibbo Adama University Yola, Along Yola-Mubi Road, Adamawa State. Nigeria *Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the incidence of malaria and associated risk factors among children aged 1-15 years attending Specialist Hospital Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, data were collected from 188 pediatric patients through structured questionnaires, venipuncture blood samples for malaria diagnosis, and packed cell volume (PCV) assessments. Key socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioral risk factors were examined to understand their influence on malaria prevalence. The findings indicate a high malaria prevalence rate of 95.7%, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most detected species. Younger children (ages 1-3) were more susceptible to malaria, while a significant portion of cases (p > 0.05) was observed in children from families with lower socioeconomic status and inadequate housing conditions. Environmental risk factors, such as the presence of stagnant water around homes, and inconsistent use of mosquito nets were strongly associated with higher malaria incidence. The study underscores the need for targeted malaria control measures, including improved access to preventive resources, community health education, and the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure to reduce malaria transmission and improve health outcomes among children in endemic areas. Keywords: Malaria, Risk Factors, paediatric patients