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ABSTRACT
Malaria is a dangerous and sometimes fatal disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is spread to humans via the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It negatively affects populations with improper prevention measures like psychiatric patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite infection among psychiatric patients in federal neuropsychiatric hospital, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 122 males and 98 females within the age of 21-70 years were examined in this study. Information bordering on gender, age, and marital status, use of drugs and level of education were obtained from the facility records. Two ml of peripheral blood samples were collected aseptically through venipuncture from the patients. Thick blood films were prepared and stained with Giemsa stain for 45 minutes. The dried films were examined for malaria parasites using oil immersion objective lens. The result from this study shows an overall prevalence rate of 52.7% malaria parasite infection among psychiatric patients attending federal neuropsychiatric hospital, Benin City. The prevalence was higher in males (60.3%) when compared to females (39.7%) although it was not statistically significant (OR-1.522, 95%CI-0.714-3.242, p=0.276). The highest prevalence of malaria infection was found in age group 21-30 years (65.5%), closely followed by 31-40 years (17.2%) and 41-50 years (10.3%). Age group 51-60 years had the lowest prevalence observed (6.9%). Stagnant water and usage of drugs had a significant relationship with prevalence of malaria parasite infection (p<0.05). Marital status and level of education had no relationship with the prevalence of malaria infection (p>0.05). In conclusion, this study sheds light on a significant and concerning public health issue on malaria infection among psychiatric patients in the study area. Including the need for targeted interventions and improved healthcare access to the hospital.
