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Malaria among the Geriatric Population in Parts of South-Eastern Nigeria: Prevalence, Complications and Co-morbidity with Non-communicable Diseases

Chukwuocha UM, Chukwuocha AN, Udujih OG, Amadi CN, Nwoke EA and Ibeh SNO

This study was done to ascertain malaria prevalence, its complications and co-morbidity with non-communicable diseases among the geriatric population in parts of South-Eastern, Nigeria. Ninety two (92) consenting subjects between the ages of 50 and 80 years were recruited in Ihiagwa, South-Eastern Nigeria for the study. Blood samples collected from them were Giemsa stained and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Clinical examination in addition to health facility records analysis were done to determine malaria signs and symptoms, complications and co-morbidity with non-communicable diseases. There was high malaria prevalence among study subjects. Respiratory involvement (28.2%) was the major complication associated with it while Diabetes Mellitus (44.5%) was found to be the most co-morbid non-communicable disease. The older adults should be adequately included in malaria control programs. Further investigations into the pattern, dynamics and factors relating to malaria co morbidity with non communicable diseases among this age group should be given urgent attention.