MALARIA PARASITEMIA IN RELATION TO SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENT GENOTYPES ATTENDING HEALTH FACILITIES IN YOLA SOUTH AND YOLA NORTH LGA, ADAMAWA STATE

Abstract

Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess malaria parasitemia among patients with different hemoglobin genotypes attending health facilities in Yola North and South. A total of 300 blood samples were collected from patients with different hemoglobin genotype attending health facilities in Yola South and North. Blood samples for malaria diagnosis were processed using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests [(RDTs)(One Step Malaria Antigen P. falciparum (HRP2)]. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. There was an overall infection rate of 17.0%. The prevalence was slightly higher in Yola North (18.7%) compared to Yola South (15.3%). However, statistical analysis (χ² = 0.591, p = 0.442) indicates that there was no statistical significance. Individuals with SS and SC genotypes had the highest prevalence (66.7% each), followed by those with the AA genotype (16.9%), while the lowest prevalence was recorded in AS individuals (5.9%). The chi-square test (χ² = 25.449, p = 0.000) revealed a significant association between hemoglobin genotype and malaria parasitemia. Individuals aged 15–24 years had the highest prevalence (23.0%), while the lowest was observed among those aged 25–34 years (6.7%). The chi-square test (χ² = 6.536, p = 0.088) suggests no statistically significant relationship between age and malaria prevalence. Individuals with secondary education had the highest prevalence (31.2%), while the lowest prevalence was recorded among those with tertiary education (12.5%). The chi-square test (χ² = 2.604, p = 0.457) showed no significant association between educational attainment and malaria prevalence. Lastly, highest infection rate was recorded among tertiary workers (28.6%), while the lowest was observed among civil servants (13.8%). However, the chi-square test (χ² = 1.555, p = 0.670) indicates no statistically significant association between occupation and malaria prevalence. This study highlights a moderate malaria prevalence (17.0%) in Yola North and Yola South, with a significant relationship between hemoglobin genotype and malaria susceptibility. Individuals with SS and SC genotypes were the most vulnerable, while those with AS had the lowest risk, supporting the protective effect of sickle cell trait against malaria. Other demographic factors such as age, gender, education, and occupation did not show statistically significant associations with malaria prevalence.