JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISEASES
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2705-2214
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JPHD
Start Year: 2018
Email: jphd@integrityresjournals.org
Assessment of malaria prevalence and associated risk factors in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/JPHD2026.187 | Article Number: 39D41A0F1 | Vol.8 (3) - August 2026
Received Date: 01 May 2026 | Accepted Date: 08 June 2026 | Published Date: 30 August 2026
Authors: Clementina Amarachukwu Okoche* and Doris Atibinye Dotimi
Keywords: Nigeria., Delta State, insecticide-treated nets, malaria prevalence, occupational risk, sociodemographic factors.
Malaria remains a significant public health burden in Nigeria; however, localised, community-level epidemiological data required to inform targeted interventions remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence of malaria and identified associated risk factors among adult residents of Warri South Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State, Nigeria, including the coverage and utilisation of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). A cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2025 among 300 participants selected through multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while malaria infection was confirmed using HRP-II-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests, were performed to examine associations between malaria prevalence and selected sociodemographic, environmental, and behavioural factors. The findings revealed an overall malaria prevalence of 3.33%. Among the sociodemographic variables, only occupation was significantly associated with malaria infection (p < 0.001), with farmers exhibiting the highest prevalence (66.7%). Housing type was the only environmental factor significantly associated with infection (p = 0.017); individuals residing in unscreened cement houses had a prevalence of 14.3%, compared to 2.3% among those living in houses with screened windows and doors. None of the behavioural variables showed statistically significant associations, although notable trends were observed for delayed healthcare-seeking and poor treatment adherence. ITN ownership was 70.0%, while utilisation was considerably lower at 45.7%, indicating a 24.3% gap between ownership and use. These findings suggest that malaria risk in Warri South is primarily associated with occupational exposure and housing conditions rather than traditional environmental proximity factors. Therefore, effective malaria control strategies in this area should integrate housing improvements, occupational risk reduction, and targeted behavioural change interventions.
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