PLoS ONE (Jan 2023)

Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection by microscopy and its determinants among residents of Ido-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria.

  • Azeez Oyemomi Ibrahim,
  • Ibrahim Sebutu Bello,
  • Adewumi Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi,
  • Abayomi Ayodapo,
  • Babatunde Adeola Afolabi,
  • Makinde Adebayo Adeniyi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280981
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 2
p. e0280981

Abstract

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BackgroundAsymptomatic malaria infections have received less attention than symptomatic malaria infections in major studies. Few epidemiological studies on asymptomatic malaria infections have often focused on pregnant women and children under-five years of age as the most vulnerable groups. However, there is limitation on data regarding asymptomatic infections among the old adult populations, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection by microscopy and its determinants among residents of Ido- Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2021 among 232 consenting apparently healthy individuals aged 40 years and above who were recruited during a free health screening program using a standardised interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information on respondents' socio-demographics, presence and types of co-morbidity, and the prevention methods being adopted against malaria infection. Venous blood samples were collected and processed for asymptomatic infections using Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with asymptomatic infections.ResultsOf the total 232 respondents, 19.0% (48/232) were confirmed to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.1% - 24.6%). Lack of formal education (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.298, 95% (CI): 2.184-13.997), being diabetic (AOR: 4.681, 95% CI: 1.669-16.105), and not sleeping under Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLINs) (AOR: 4.594, 95% CI: 1.194-14.091), were the determinants of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection.ConclusionThe prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum was 19%. Lack of formal education, being diabetic, and not sleeping under LLINs were the determinants of asymptomatic infections.