A cross-sectional study of the prevalence, density, and risk factors associated with malaria transmission in urban communities of Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Malaria is a severe global public health challenge that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was designed to determine the prevalence, parasite density, and risk factors associated with malaria infection transmission among residents of two urban communities of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out on 300 participants. Blood samples were obtained. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and viewed using the standard parasitological technique of microscopy. Moreover, data on sociodemographic and environmental variables were obtained using a pre-tested standard questionnaire. Of the 300 participants examined, a total of 165 (55.0%) were found positive for Plasmodium falciparum with a mean (S.D) parasite density of 1814.70 (1829.117) parasite/μL of blood. The prevalence and parasite density of malaria infection vary significantly (P < 0.05) with age group. Children