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Prevalence of Malaria and Typhoid Fever Co-Infection: Knowledge, Attitude and Management Practices among Residents of Obuda-Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

2015; Volume: 3; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.12691/ajphr-3-4-6

2327-669X

Okore Oghale O’woma, Ubiaru Prince. Chigozirim., Nwaogwugwu Uzoamaka Gloria,

Hepatitis Viruses Studies and Epidemiology

A study of prevalence, knowledge, attitude and management practices of malaria and typhoid fever co-infection was carried out among residents of Obuda-Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, between July and September, 2014. Venepuncture technique was used for collection of the blood samples. A total of 245 persons comprising 120 males and 125 females were examined. Field stained thick and thin blood films were used to detect malaria parasites in the samples. Typhoid fever was diagnosed from each blood sample using Widal test kit. Out of the 245 persons sampled, 95(38.78%) tested positive for malaria, 105 (42.86%) tested positive for typhoid fever, 45(37.50%) were co-infected with malaria and typhoid fever among the males and 55(44.00%) were co-infected with malaria and typhoid fever among the females. Co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever was highest in the age group of 61-75 years, 4(100%) among the males and highest in the age group of 16-30 years, 15(83.33%) among the females. On the perception of the possible causes of malaria and typhoid fever, 24 respondents reported excessive fried oil as the cause while 17 respondents stated excessive intake of alcohol. On the perception of the sign and symptoms associated with malaria and typhoid fever, 77 respondents stated loss of appetite, 67 respondents stated fatigue and 70 respondents stated headache. On the practices available for protection against malaria and typhoid fever, 54 respondents reported routine treatments with drugs, 21 respondents stated good sanitary measures while 33 respondents reported access to safe food and water. There is need for massive health education campaign to educate the residents of Obuda-Aba to correct the wrong perception they have about malaria and typhoid fever for effective treatment and control of the diseases.