PREVALENCE, CAUSES, AND HEALTH EFFECTS OF MALARIA AMONG CHILDREN IN OMU-IJEBU, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in sub Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria where the disease constitutes a major public health challenge. This study investigated the prevalence, causes, and health effects of malaria among children in Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design involving healthcare professionals including nurses, doctors, and community health workers. A structured questionnaire was administered to fifty respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that poor environmental sanitation, mosquito breeding sites, inadequate use of insecticide-treated nets, poor drainage systems, and limited access to preventive healthcare services were major causes of malaria among children. The study further showed that malaria contributes significantly to anemia, school absenteeism, reduced cognitive performance, malnutrition, and increased mortality among children. The study concluded that although awareness about malaria prevention exists among residents and healthcare workers, challenges relating to environmental management and healthcare access continue to sustain high malaria prevalence among children. The study recommended intensified public health education, improved environmental sanitation, wider distribution of insecticide treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and enhanced government support for malaria prevention programs.