Prevalence of Plasmodium Parasites Among Clinically Malaria Suspected Febrile Patients in Katsina State

Malaria is the leading parasitic disease in terms of human morbidity and mortality, imposing substantial medical, psychological, and economic burden in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of Plasmodium parasites among patients with clinically suspected malaria and identified symptomatic and demographic factors associated with the disease across four hospitals in Katsina State. A total of 353 blood samples were examined using microscopy. The results revealed an overall malaria prevalence of 32%. Daura FMC had the highest prevalence (35%), followed by Katsina GH (34%), Funtua GH (28.9%), and TUY MCH (28%). No significant association was found between hospital location and malaria prevalence (χ² = 1.362, p = 0.714). The highest infection rate was observed in patients aged 21–30 years (13.6%), the lowest was in those aged ≥41 years (0.28%). This association was not statistically significant (χ²=3.837, p=0.428). Patients with secondary-level education showed the highest infection rate (28.9%), and those with no formal education had the lowest (9.3%). No significant correlation was found (χ²=7.779, p=0.051). Urban residents exhibited slightly higher prevalence (19.5%) than rural dwellers (12.5%); the difference was not significant (χ²=0.633, p=0.426). Infections between females (18.4%) and males (13.6%) were, however, statistically significant (χ²=5.64, p=0.018). Fever (99%) and headache (90%) were the most common symptoms among positive patients, with strong statistical associations (p<0.001). Seasonal analysis showed higher prevalence during October–November (39.9%) compared to July–September (26.0%), with nearly twice the odds of infection (OR=1.86: 1.15–2.55, p=0.016). The findings highlight demographic and symptomatic influences on malaria prevalence, requiring targeted interventions.