Occurrence of malaria infection in under-five children in Orlu, L.G.A. of Imo sate, Nigeria

This study was carried out between March 2014 and June 2014 on the occurrence of malaria infection in under five children in Orlu Local Government area of Imo State Nigeria. The study covered 381 randomly selected households and 622 consenting subjects with information's gotten mostly from mothers and nannies as care providers. The study population was 510 children below 5 years of age. Analysis of data collected shows that 77% of respondents in the rural area had no education above secondary school level, while 56% of respondents in the sub-urban area had education up to secondary school and 67% of respondents in the urban area had education up to the secondary school level this incidence of malaria in the studied areas in inversely proportional to the socio-economic levels of the areas in under study Incidence increased with decrease in socio-economic levels and the improvement in living standard. Use of bed nets is more common in communities with better socio economic status. Regarding management of Malaria ie purchase of across-the counter drugs use of leftover drugs, application of traditional medication etc. was highest in Amike and decrease to the lowest in the urban local Government headquarters. Also malaria related complications were more among the children from low socio-economic households than their counterparts of high socio-economic level.