Prevalence of Malaria among Inmates in Medium Security Custodial Center Sokoto

ABSTRACT:

Malaria is one of the most severe global public health problems worldwide, particularly in Africa, where Nigeria has the greatest number of malaria cases. Malaria remains a disease of major public health problems in Nigeria especially among the neglected population such as the custodial center environment. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of malaria among inmates in medium security custodial center Sokoto. this research aims to assess the prevalence of malaria among inmates in medium security custodian center Sokoto, all inmates that had tested for malaria from NOV-2021 to APR-2022 was captured in the data collection with obtainable parameters to determine the sociodemographic distribution, prevalence by gender and monthly trends of malaria among inmates. This study employs Retrospective cross sectional study design. the data was obtained from the clinic register book of medium security custodial center Sokoto with the consent of the superintendent in-charge   using simple random sampling method. and the data was analyzed using frequency distribution table, chart, and text. of a total of 1208 cases reported from NOV-2021 to APR-2022, 567(46.9%) appeared to be positive of malaria with the total prevalence of 47.2 % in MSCCS while 641(53.1%) appeared to be negative, out of which males represent 94.9% and females 5.1% of the total population.  This study revealed the prevalence of malaria infection for six months in medium security custodial center Sokoto and the overall prevalence rate could be said to be moderate when compared to other existing studies. Government should embark on extensive vector control to reduce the vector population. On the side of the management, the Nigeria correctional service could reduce the prevalence rate to the lower level by embarking on health education campaigns across the custodial centers there by improving the malaria prevention, particularly educating inmates on environmental hygiene so as to avoid providing conducive dwell for malaria vector (mosquito).