Association Between Farming Activities and Plasmodium falciparum Transmission in Rural Communities in Nigeria
Olarewaju Abdulkareem Babamale, Olufunke Adenike Opeyemi, Abiodun Adebayo Bukky, Akinkunmi Idris Musleem, Eniola Olashile Kelani, Blessing Jesuseme Okhian, Nurhidanatasha Abu-Bakar
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The connection between malaria-associated morbidities and farming activities has not been succinctly reported. This study aimed to address the connectivity between farming activities and malaria transmission. METHODS: was based on the presence of ring form or any other blood stages. Individuals who are either critically ill or lived in the community less than 3 months were excluded from the study. RESULTS: < 0.05). Children in the age of 6 to 10 years (AOR: 2.168, CI: 1.63-2.19) and ≥ 11 years (AOR: 3.750, CI: 2.85-3.80) groups were two-and four-fold more likely to be infected with malaria. The analysis revealed that the proximity of bush and stagnant water to the farmer (73.9%, AOR: 3.242, CI: 2.57-3.61) and non-farmer (38.1%, AOR: 1.362, CI: 1.25-1.41) habitations influence malaria transmission. CONCLUSION: This study highlights farming activities as a risk factor for malaria infection in agro-communities. Integrated malaria control measures in agricultural communities should therefore include water and environmental management practices.