Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Malaria Vulnerability among Rural Inhabitants in Nigeria

Malaria remains a prominent parasitic disease with the highest public health burden in Nigeria, especially among rural inhabitants who in many ways are exposed to various routes of vulnerability. Socioeconomic status, which is recognised to entail educational attainment, occupation, income level and housing are obviously viewed as essential elements facilitating susceptibility to malaria disease. Nevertheless, this study tests the interplay between socioeconomic status on malaria susceptibility among rural residents of the Amazu community. Blood was collected from the participants and was proceed using thin and thick film procedures. The result revealed a strong correlation between Socioeconomic Status on malaria susceptibility. The study established that adequate knowledge on malaria prevention acquired by means of higher education and improved income earning for residents are essential tools that will bring effective result in the fight to eradicate malaria in Nigeria. One’s occupation and housing pattern also play important role in malaria vulnerability but are subject to educational level and income level. For adequate control and elimination of malaria, the public health sector should deliberately educate residents on the basic means of avoiding malaria infection. Government should consciously improve the income earning of people to enable quick access to malaria treatment and preventive infrastructure. The Government should make malaria diagnosis and treatment free to enable access by the poor.