Prevalence and Independent Predictors of Malaria Infection Among Mobile and Nomadic Populations in North-eastern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Mobile and nomadic populations may face increased malaria risk due to mobility, environmental exposure, limited preventive practices and restricted healthcare access. This study assessed malaria prevalence and independent predictors of infection among mobile and nomadic populations in North-Eastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional dataset of 500 participants from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Of the 500 participants, 157 (31.4%) were malaria-positive, with prevalence ranging from 24.6% in Yobe to 36.9% in Borno. Prevalence was significantly higher among participants near water (37.3%), non-LLIN users (38.0%), those with difficult healthcare access (37.0%) and those with poor malaria knowledge (38.5%). Multivariable analysis identified recent travel (AOR = 1.565, 95% CI: 1.012–2.421), proximity to water (AOR = 2.381, 95% CI: 1.522–3.723), non-use of LLINs (AOR = 2.341, 95% CI: 1.526–3.591), difficult healthcare access (AOR = 1.857, 95% CI: 1.212–2.845) and poor malaria knowledge (AOR = 2.348, 95% CI: 1.346–4.097) as independent predictors of malaria positivity. Malaria burden among mobile and nomadic populations is associated with environmental, mobility, preventive and healthcare-related factors. Integrated, mobility-sensitive malaria-control strategies are recommended.