COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES AND PREVALENCE OF MALARIA PARASITE AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN TWO COMMUNITIES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health problem with different prevalence rates across the rural-urban areas of Nigeria. It is also a major cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and children. However, evidences on the disparity in environmental practices in relation to its burden are sparse. This study was designed to assess the differences in environmental practices and its influence on malaria burden among women in selected rural-urban communities in Ibadan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in two purposively selected communities: Eniosa (a rural area) and Kube (an urban area) located in Lagelu Local Government and Ibadan North Local Government Areas respectively. Simple random sampling using balloting technique was used to select 250 women of child bearing age (15-49years) residing in the communities respectively. Data were collected using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. A10-point knowledge scale was used to assess respondents’ knowledge on the symptoms, prevention, treatment, and practices which promote the breeding of mosquitoes. An entomological survey following standard methods was conducted in both communities from January to March, 2009. Prevalence of malaria infection was determined using microscopy to test for presence of Plasmodium falciparum from participants in each community. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and t-test. Mean ages of the respondents’ from Eniosa and Kube were 26.2±6.1 and 28.7±7.4 years respectively. Mean knowledge scores on malaria among respondents’ in Eniosa (6.19±1.92) was significantly lower than 6.70±2.27 obtained in Kube (p<0.05).Open dumping of refuse was the most common method of refuse disposal in Eniosa (43.1%) compared to 13.8% in Kube. About 19.8% and 49% engaged in cassava processing within the house premises in Eniosa and Kube respectively. Respondents from Eniosa (30.6%) practiced water storage in open containers compared to 27.4% from Kube (p<0.05). Mosquito coil and insecticide uses at night were 44.0% and 18.3%, 6.1% and 3.2% in Eniosa and Kube communities respectively. The most common mosquito species observed in Eniosa and Kube communities were Anopheles spp (130 vs 47),Culexspp (120 vs 235), Aedesspp (35 vs 17) and Mansoniaspp (14 vs 11). Anophelesgambiae species were more abundant in Eniosa (73.4%) than Kube (26.5%) (p<0.05). Malaria parasite prevalence using microscopy was 52.9% and 38.2% (p<0.05) in Eniosa and Kube respectively. Poor environmental sanitation and higher malaria parasite burden was observed in the rural community compared to those in the urban community. Health education and advocacy should therefore be targeted to improve environmental sanitation in the rural areas.