Prevalence of Malaria Parasite among Students of Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Malaria, an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a significant public health challenge. Nigeria has a high malaria burden, particularly among vulnerable populations. We aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among students at Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology (FCVMLT) in Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria, and assess their knowledge and prevention practices.
Materials: The study involved 134 students from three academic departments at FCVMLT between Apr and Jun 2022. Venous blood samples were collected, and malaria infection was assessed using microscopy with Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. A questionnaire was also administered to gather information on malaria awareness and preventive behaviors.
Results: The overall malaria prevalence among students was 35.07%, with a higher infection rate observed among females (42.35%) compared to males (22.45%), a difference that was statistically significant (χ² = 47.38, P<0.001). Malaria prevalence varied slightly across departments, with the Medical Laboratory Science department recording the highest prevalence at 39.13%, followed by Environmental Science and Management (25.00%) and Environmental Health Technology (26.92%), though this variation was not statistically significant (χ² =2.14, P=0.344). Students residing off-campus had a slightly higher prevalence (35.78%) than those living on-campus (32.94%), with no statistically significant difference (χ² = 0.24, P=0.622).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of malaria among students, despite good awareness, highlights the need for improved malaria control measures within educational settings. Asymptomatic infections among students could contribute to sustained malaria transmission within the community. Implementing regular malaria screenings, distributing insecticide-treated bed nets, and conducting educational campaigns on effective preventive practices are recommended.
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