Prevalence Of Malaria Parasite Infections Among School Aged Children In Rural Areas

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Stagnant water is a factor identified to be contributing to malaria transmission. Nigeria is endemic due to noncompliance on the part of Nigerians to malaria preventive measures such as sleeping under Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), using Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs) correctly, using intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy and proper environmental sanitation2. Chioma Amajoh also stated that factors militating against significant success in the fight against malaria include insufficient funding, poor utilization of available health care services, weak supply chain system, inadequate strategic information network, and various infrastructural challenges. World Health Organization (WHO)10 revealed that malaria infection has resulted in absenteeism in class, resulting to poor academic performance among Pupils, thus this study seek to examine the prevalence of malaria infection amongst Pupils in a primary school in the mid-west.

1.3 Research question

1. What is the Pupils’ perception of predisposing factors for malaria?

2. What is the prevalence rate of malaria among Pupils of a primary school?

3. What is the treatment method used for malaria infection among Pupils of a primary school?

1.4 Objective of the study

The main objective of this work is to assess the prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school aged children in rural areas. 

More specifically they following objectives were formulated;

To determine the Pupils’ perception of predisposing factors for malaria.

To determine the prevalence rate of malaria among Pupils of a primary school.

To determine the treatment method used for malaria infection among Pupils of a primary school.

1.4 Significance of the study

Health sector/ School Administration

This work will guide them on possible strategies to apply to curb malaria among school aged children. To locate the possible cause of malaria and provide the appropriate measures and techniques needed to solve the causes.

Researchers

To be a good guide and reference material to carry out further research on any work relating to malaria among school aged children.

1.5 Scope of the study

The scope of the study is to assess the prevalence of malaria parasite infections among school aged children in rural areas a case study of Ojah Primary School, Ibillo, Akoko-Edo LGA in Edo state.

1.6 Limitation of the study

The Limitations are constrained to lack of fund, human error and limited time frame, which imposed difficulties when serious attempt to effect a general in – depth towards this study.

1.7 Definition of terms

Malaria: Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness.

School aged child: a school-age child who is home without adult supervision for part of the day (especially after school until a parent returns home from work) schoolboy. Development describes the expected physical, emotional, and mental abilities of children ages 6 to 12.

Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Having anemia can make you feel tired and weak. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe.

Parasite: parasitism is a symbiotic relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives on or in another organism, the host, causing it some harm, and is adapted structurally to this way of life.

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