Are there spatial and socio-economic inequities in incidence and burden and prevention of malaria? A study in southeast Nigeria

Presenter: Ogoamaka Chukwuogo, Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu-Campus (UNEC)

Abstract

Introduction:

Malaria-endemic countries like Nigeria are largely developing nations with limited financial resources. The effect of malaria on people of all ages is quite immense being both a direct and indirect cause of death and a leading cause of further impoverishment in Nigeria and Africa Thus, the extent of the economic burden imposed by malaria as well as the coping mechanisms are relevant to government/policy makers for effective allocation of resources towards malaria prevention and treatment.

Objective:

To explore the socioeconomic and geographic differentials in the incidence, burden and prevention of malaria

Methods:

The study was conducted in two urban and two rural communities in Anambra State, southeast, Nigeria. A cross-sectional community household survey was conducted using pre tested interviewer-administered questionnaires to elicit information on socio-economic and demographic data of 1657 respondents. The incidence of malaria among respondents or their family members one month preceding the survey, how the diseases were diagnosed, duration of the illnesses, whether treatment was sought and where treatment was sought first and reasons for choosing a particular care provider were also sought.

Results:

It was found that 38.5% and 35% of the rural and urban respondents had malaria a month preceding the interview respectively. The incidence of malaria among respondents was similar across the socio-economic status (SES) quartiles. Treatment seeking amongst the respondents in rural and urban settings did not differ giving an equity ratio of 1.0. There were however statistically significant inequities in the use of treated and untreated mosquito nets across the SES quartiles and among the rural and urban dwellers.

Conclusion

There is no SES and geographic difference in the incidence of malaria, and treatment seeking but there is a significant difference in malaria preventive measures using untreated and treated mosquito nets. Efforts should be made to ensure that all SES groups use both treated and untreated nets