Hospital-based survey of malaria and anemia among children 6–10 years and pregnant women in Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Malaria remains a significant public health concern, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings. A study conducted in Nkanu West Local Government Area examined malaria prevalence and related anemia among children aged 6–10 years and among pregnant women attending a hospital. The research employed a cross-sectional, hospital-based design, using both microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to evaluate malaria cases. Microscopy enabled detailed detection of parasites, while RDTs provided quick and supplementary diagnostics. This study revealed an alarming malaria prevalence of 70.3% in children and 65.5% in pregnant women. Microscopy prevalence slightly increased with age (r = 0.118, p < 0.05), while RDT decreased (r=-0.157, p < 0.01). Among 10-year-olds and above, females had a significantly higher prevalence (78.5%) than males (55.2%) (χ²=7.576, p < 0.05). There were significant differences in prevalence by sex (p = 0.005), but not by age (p = 0.400) and location (p = 0.228) among children. Among pregnant women, no significant differences were found concerning age, trimester, or location. Malaria was linked to increased packed cell volume, especially in women in their third trimester, indicating hematological impact. Mean PCV of children with malaria varies significantly by age, with 5–9-year-olds having a higher mean PCV (37.65 ± 0.90%) than other age groups (t = 2.434, p = 0.059). Malaria remains a threat to children and pregnant women, requiring ongoing monitoring, community awareness, routine testing, and sanitation, especially during antenatal care. Based on our findings, priority interventions should include universal ITN distribution with sustained use, intensified vector control and larval source management in high-burden areas, strengthened IPTp delivery and ANC-based screening, environmental sanitation and waste management to curb breeding sites, and enhanced community surveillance to guide adaptive program planning.