Malaria Prevalence in Toddlers: A Retrospective Study

Background: Malaria is one of the most important public health and life-threatening parasitic infections caused by the protozoan parasite- Plasmodium. The WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030, updated in 2021, provides a technical framework for all malaria-endemic countries. It is intended to guide and support regional and country program as they work towards malaria control and elimination.

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of malaria in toddlers in a tertiary health facility in developing countries between January and December 2021.

Methodology: The study involved the use of patient’s case notes, A total of 104 case notes were selected using simple random technique. A checklist was generated from the collection of data. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for scientific solution (SPSS) software version 21.0. for descriptive statistics. The Chi square test was used to test for associations. The level of significance was set as P < 0.05.

Results: It was discovered that Half (50%) of the toddlers were 2years old, a little above half (52.9%) were male and the mean age was 2.31 with a standard deviation of 3.02. studies. On the financial implication of malaria treatment study revealed that 76.9% spent between ₦1500 - ₦1900 and artesunate was the most common antimalarial used and most children spent up to 3 days on admission

Conclusion: Findings from this study reveals that the prevalence is common among toddlers especially in 2years old. The average amount spent on antimalarial purchase is relatively fair based on the drugs the patients can afford. The highest prevalence was seen in July (62%) and the least prevalence was seen in January (30%).