Statistical Analysis of Malaria Cases among the Children and Adults

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

In the 20th century, with the development of early treatments like quinine and the introduction of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), malaria control efforts became more structured. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched global initiatives to control malaria in the mid-20th century, particularly focusing on the use of DDT for vector control and the introduction of chloroquine as the primary treatment (WHO, 2021). The statistical analysis of malaria cases, particularly in countries with high endemicity like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Health authorities and researchers began collecting and analyzing data from hospitals, clinics, and community health programs to better understand the disease's epidemiology, seasonal trends, and impact on different population groups, including children and adults. These data-driven approaches allowed for more targeted interventions, such as the distribution of ITNs, seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), and the roll-out of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) (Miller et al., 2020). In the DRC, malaria has remained a critical public health challenge. The Ministry of Health in the DRC (2022) has been collecting data on malaria cases for several decades to monitor trends and inform policy decisions. However, challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of access to preventive measures in rural areas have hindered efforts to fully control the disease.

Malaria remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases globally, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions, where it continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), approximately 241 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide in 2020, with sub-Saharan Africa being the most affected region. Children under the age of five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as they often experience the most severe complications of the disease, including anemia, cerebral malaria, and death. Malaria's impact on these vulnerable groups underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies that not only address treatment but also focus on prevention and control measures (WHO, 2023).

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes (WHO, 2021). Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that despite considerable progress in malaria prevention and treatment, the disease continues to affect millions of people each year, with children and adults in malaria-endemic regions being at the highest risk (WHO, 2023). In countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, malaria poses a major threat to both public health and socio-economic stability. Malaria caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, results in fever, chills, anemia, and, in severe cases, death. Children under the age of five and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the disease, as their immune systems are often less equipped to fight off the infection (Miller et al., 2020).

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with the Ministry of Health (2022) estimating that it accounts for nearly 40% of all hospital admissions and a significant proportion of deaths. The DRC's vast geographical expanse, coupled with environmental conditions conducive to the breeding of Anopheles mosquitoes, makes it one of the countries most affected by the disease. Malaria transmission in the DRC is endemic throughout the year, with seasonal variations in incidence due to factors such as rainfall, temperature, and vector control efforts. Despite efforts to reduce the burden of malaria through insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and prompt treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), the disease remains a major challenge. The healthcare infrastructure in many parts of the DRC is inadequate, and access to timely and effective care remains limited, particularly in rural and remote areas. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to conduct a statistical analysis of malaria cases among children and adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that there is lack of comprehensive and systematic data on malaria incidence across different age groups, which limits the ability to understand the full scope and dynamics of the disease. There is also a lack of in-depth analysis of how malaria cases vary by age group, region, and season, making it difficult to identify specific trends or risk factors that could guide more targeted interventions.

Additionally, while some regions in the DRC have seen improvements in malaria control, there are still significant gaps in healthcare access and resources, especially in rural and remote areas. The absence of timely and accurate data further exacerbates this problem, preventing health authorities from making evidence-based decisions that could improve malaria control efforts.

Furthermore, the issue of drug resistance and the persistence of vector populations that are resistant to insecticides is a growing concern, and it requires continuous monitoring and statistical analysis to assess the effectiveness of current control strategies. The lack of a comprehensive, data-driven approach to understanding these dynamics is another significant problem that undermines efforts to combat malaria effectively. It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by analyzing the malaria cases among the children and adults.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to analyze the statistical distribution, trends, and patterns of malaria cases among children and adults to provide insights that will inform targeted interventions and effective control measures. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To examine the prevalence of malaria cases among children and adults in the study area.
2. To identify the seasonal trends and patterns of malaria incidence across different age groups.
3. To analyze the relationship between demographic factors and malaria prevalence.
4. To assess the effectiveness of current malaria prevention and treatment strategies for children and adults.
5. To provide data-driven recommendations for improving malaria control programs and resource allocation.

1.4 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What is the prevalence of malaria cases among children compared to adults in the study area?
• Are there significant seasonal trends in malaria incidence among children and adults?
• How do demographic factors such as age, gender, and location influence malaria prevalence?
• How effective are current malaria prevention and treatment strategies for children and adults?
• What patterns and risk factors can be identified from the statistical analysis of malaria cases in the study area?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant difference in the prevalence of malaria cases between children and adults.
• H1: There is a significant difference in the prevalence of malaria cases between children and adults.

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Seasonal trends do not significantly affect the incidence of malaria among children and adults.
• H1: Seasonal trends significantly affect the incidence of malaria among children and adults.

Hypothesis Three

• H0: Demographic factors such as age, gender, and location do not significantly influence malaria prevalence.
• H1: Demographic factors such as age, gender, and location significantly influence malaria prevalence.

1.6 Significance of Study

The study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the distribution and prevalence of malaria among children and adults, providing valuable data to health policymakers and stakeholders. It will also identify trends, patterns, and potential risk factors, which will guide the development of targeted interventions and resource allocation strategies.

The findings will support healthcare providers in implementing more effective malaria prevention and treatment programs tailored to specific demographic groups. Additionally, the study will enhance academic and public health research by providing a statistical basis for further investigation into malaria control efforts.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of the research is focused on statistical analysis of malaria cases among the children and adults.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Delays from respondents in providing accurate and timely information also impacted the study's timeline and data quality.
2. Furthermore, the time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
3. Lastly, insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

1.9 Definition of Terms

Malaria: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021).

Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis refers to the process of collecting, organizing, interpreting, and presenting data to identify patterns and trends, often used to inform decision-making (Greasley, 2019).

Prevalence: Prevalence is the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or condition at a particular time (Last, 2001).

Children: For the purpose of this study, children are defined as individuals aged 0 to 14 years, as categorized by global demographic standards (UNICEF, 2020).