Distribution of Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Relation to Socio-Demographic Variables of Subjects in Benue State, Nigeria.

The morbidity and mortality of malaria has continued to pose serious health challenges to the health sector in the sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. The scourge of this disease has continued unabated despite series of control interventions to reduce the spread. This study was therefore, conducted between April and August, 2018 to evaluate some selected socio-demographic variables that may be associated with the distribution of Plasmodium falciparum infection in the study area. Finger pricked blood samples were obtained from 510 volunteered participants across the three senatorial districts of Benue State. Thick blood films were prepared on grease free slides, air dried and stained with Giemsa for 10 minutes. The smears were examined on light microscope using oil immersion. A standard questionnaire was also structured and administered to participants to generate data on their socio-demographic status. A total of 454 (89.0%) participants out of the 510 examined were infected with Plasmodium falciparum across the study area. Female subjects were more infected (89.9 %,) with P. falciparum than their male counterparts (88.2 %,). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in malaria parasite infection among participants that had primary education (97.4%) and those with tertiary education (74.4%). For occupation, traders had the highest (99.2%) infection with the malaria parasite while teachers had the least infection (69.0%). The difference in P. falciparum infection across the different occupations was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A significant difference (P < 0.05) in P. falciparum infection also existed among participants that were married (91.6%) and those that were single (35.3%). There were insignificant differences (P > 0.05) in P. falciparum infection among the different household’s monthly income, family size, age and gender respectively. All the socio-demographic variables associated with the distribution of malaria in this study were linked to poverty hence, the need to intensify more free malaria interventions targeting the poor and vulnerable in the Benue communities and beyond.