ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MALARIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

TOPIC: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MALARIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NAZARETH INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

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1. Public Health Department

2. Nursing Science Department

3. Environmental Health Science Department

This research material contains:

1-Chapter One to Five

2-Recent References/citations

3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four

4-Accurate Data Analysis

5-Table of Contents

6-Questionnare

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the impact of malaria on academic performance among undergraduate students in Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The study was specifically carried out to assess the prevalence of malaria among undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, assess the risk factors associated with the exposure to malaria among undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, determine the influence of malaria-related absenteeism on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, and assess the effect of the severity and duration of malaria illness on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology. The study employed the descriptive research design. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance. The study population comprised 865 undergraduate students of Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, Makurdi, Benue State. A sample size of 274 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, while 259 validated copies of the questionnaire were used for the analysis. The respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling methods. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that malaria was moderately prevalent among undergraduate students. The study also showed that environmental and behavioural factors were associated with exposure to malaria among the respondents. Likewise, the findings further revealed that malaria-related absenteeism had a significant influence on the academic performance of undergraduate students at r = 0.547, t = 10.45, P = 0.003. The study equally established that the severity and duration of malaria illness had a significant effect on the academic performance of undergraduate students at r = 0.489, t = 8.99, P = 0.006. The study therefore recommends that the management of Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology should strengthen malaria prevention programmes through regular health education, improve access to prompt diagnosis and treatment, and collaborate with relevant health agencies to promote environmental sanitation and effective mosquito control measures within the institution.

Keywords: Malaria, Academic Performance, Undergraduate Students, Absenteeism, Health Science Education.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background to the Study
Academic achievement is one of the key measures of educational quality and human capital development, as it shows how much learners learn, how well they develop skills, and how far they reach institutional learning outcomes. A dynamic interaction between personal attributes, educational experiences, behavioral patterns, and health conditions all influence the performance of undergraduate students and the extent to which they are effective in learning. Academic performance is a multidimensional educational outcome, as it is affected by many determinants that are interconnected (Al-Tameemi et al., 2023). Likewise, Akalazu and Taiwo (2023) described how supportive learning environments and suitable academic guidance make a significant impact on the attainment of students. Leonard et al. (2024) also noted that positive interactions between lecturers and students positively influence students' learning motivation and engagement in the classroom, and Ononye et al. (2022) affirmed that emotional intelligence and academic resilience boost students' ability to maintain satisfactory academic outcomes. Similarly, Abdulmalik and Anka (2025) linked students' behaviour with variations in academic achievements, highlighting the multifaceted nature of learning in tertiary education.

Health is an essential part of the educational productivity of students, as it has a direct impact on cognitive functioning, classroom participation, concentration, and continuity of learning. Malaria is a prominent member of the group of communicable diseases that continue to impact educational experiences in tropical areas due to its continued transmission and recurrent episodes among young adults. As noted by Matthew et al. (2022), knowledge and preventive measures are still important factors to lower the occurrence of malaria among the university students. Famoyegun and Ogunwale (2023) further reported that the environment and behaviours play a significant role in the transmission of malaria among students, and Ikenna et al. (2025) reported the persistence of malaria parasites in students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Adeiza et al. (2026) also revealed that the knowledge, attitude, and perception of students towards malaria have an impact on preventive actions and treatment choices. Taken together, these observations show that malaria continues to be a significant health issue in higher education, especially in climates that allow for year-round breeding and transmission of mosquitoes.

Because malaria can be a recurring event, there are significant educational aspects to the disease, as it frequently occurs during times of continuous learning. With repeated exposure, it can cause students to miss school, to not learn consistently, to not prepare for tests, and to not be productive in school due to temporary loss of physical strength and mental alertness. Khatake et al. (2022) stated that stressors affecting health can impact students' focus and performance, especially during cramming sessions. Similarly, Akpan et al. (2024) noted that the mental and physical health of students is closely linked to their educational performance, and Adesola et al. (2025) pointed out that students' health status is related to their ability to remain committed to education. James (2025) also highlighted that factors that can impact psychological well-being can then impact educational performance. Furthermore, Ogundele et al. (2023) noted that the behaviour and lifestyle of students influence their academic performance, which further highlights the overall link between health status and educational performance in universities.

The link between malaria and academic performance becomes significant in institutions situated in endemic areas where students in the various classes are exposed to different intensities of mosquito bites and malaria attacks. The environment in which Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, is situated makes it apt to investigate the prevalence of malaria and factors that might make the students prone to malaria infection. It also offers a suitable environment to assess the relationship between malaria-related absenteeism and the severity and length of malaria illness episodes on the performance of students. This study thus focuses on estimating the prevalence of malaria among undergraduates, identifying risk factors associated with malaria, the impact of malaria-related absenteeism on academic performance, and the effect of the severity and duration of illness on students' educational outcomes. This gradual shift from a wider educational and health context to the institutional context provides a logical basis to explore the link between malaria and academic performance at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, Makurdi.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

It is expected that the academic performance of undergraduate students will be a reflection of their continued attendance in class, effective learning, and successful completion of academic requirements. These expectations can be challenged, however, if a student suffers from repeated illnesses which can disrupt learning activities. Malaria is still one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in Nigeria and the undergraduate students who reside and study in the malaria endemic areas are exposed to conditions that promote malaria infection on an on-going basis. Previous research has documented the prevalence of malaria in various tertiary institutions in Nigeria, as well as students' knowledge and prevention strategies regarding malaria (Matthew et al., 2022; Ikenna et al., 2025; Adeiza et al., 2026). While these investigations have helped in providing useful information on malaria among the undergraduates, they have not adequately been able to show the combined effect of malaria prevalence, undergraduates specific risk factors, malaria related absenteeism, severity and duration of malaria on the academic performance of undergraduates of Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, Makurdi. Thus, key information that might shed light on the educational consequences of malaria in this institution is lacking.

Previous literature shows that there are some educational, behavioural and psychosocial factors that affect academic performance. For example, Abdulmalik and Anka (2025) linked students' behavioural pattern with the variation in academic performance and Leonard et al. (2024) highlighted the role of lecturer student relationship in educational achievement. Likewise, Akalazu and Taiwo (2023) emphasized the significance of mentoring while Ononye et al. (2022) revealed academic resilience and emotional intelligence as key factors that influence students' success. Health related issues have also been brought to the fore as physical wellbeing has a direct impact on learning capacity. Khatake et al. (2022) identified health related stress as a factor that is related to low academic effectiveness while Akpan et al. (2024) identified students wellbeing with educational outcomes. Despite these contributions, few empirical studies have focused on the direct impact of malaria on academic performance, based on measurable indicators like absenteeism, severity, length of illness, and risk of exposure, in one institutional setting.

This study is therefore deemed to be necessary as it aims at establishing the prevalence of malaria among undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, to identify factors associated with students' exposure to malaria, to determine the impact of malaria related absenteeism on students' academic performance and to assess the effect of the severity and duration of malaria illness on students' academic outcomes. It is hoped that results will give evidence institution specific that can add to the literature on the effects of malaria on educational performance and can serve as a basis for targeted health and academic interventions. The study also contributes to the body of knowledge of other studies like Famoyegun and Ogunwale (2023), Adeiza et al. (2026) and Ikenna et al. (2025) by specifically focussing on the link between Malaria and Academic performance in Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The aim of this study is to access the impact of malaria on academic performance among undergraduate students in Nazareth Institute Of Health Science And Technology, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Specific objectives are:

1.Assess the prevalence of malaria among undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology.

2.Assess the risk factors associated with the exposure to malaria among undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology.

3.Determine the influence of malaria-related absenteeism on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology.

4.Assess the effect of the severity and duration of malaria illness on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology.

Other parts of chapter one include:
1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter therefore focuses on the concept of skill acquisition, process of skill acquisition, concept of social media, the extent of usage as learning platform among undergraduate student, impact of instagram and youtube on undergraduates' skill acquisition, etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
Conceptual Review

Theoretical Review

Empirical Review

Theoretical Framework

Summary of literature reviewed

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.

Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises undergraduate students of Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 274 participants.

Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling methods to select the individual respondents.

Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.

Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their opinions. Inferential statistics, such as Pearson Chi-square, were used to test the hypotheses. The data were analyzed using SPSS.
Full outline for chapter three;
3.1 Research Design

3.2 Area of Study

3.3 Population of the Study

3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

3.5 Research Instrument  

3.6 Reliability of the Instrument

3.7 Method of Data Collection

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

3.9 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables and charts. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following major findings were made:

i. The study found that malaria is moderately prevalent among undergraduate students at Nazareth Institute of Health Science and Technology, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.25, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00, with item means ranging from 3.13 to 3.38. This implies that a considerable proportion of the students experienced and received treatment for malaria infection during their period of study.

ii. The study found that environmental conditions, mosquito exposure patterns and preventive practices are moderate risk factors for malaria exposure among the students, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.13, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00, with item means ranging from 2.80 to 3.34. This implies that poor sanitation, stagnant water, evening outdoor activities and inadequate preventive measures increase the students’ exposure to malaria.

iii. The study found that malaria-related absenteeism has a significant influence on the academic performance of the students, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.27, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00, with item means ranging from 3.17 to 3.36. This was further confirmed by the corresponding hypothesis test, which showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.547, t-value of 10.45 and p-value of 0.003 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This implies that missed lectures reduce students’ preparation time and participation.

iv. The study found that the severity and duration of malaria illness have a significant effect on the academic performance of the students, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.24, which is above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00, with item means ranging from 3.13 to 3.36. This was further confirmed by the corresponding hypothesis test, which showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.489, t-value of 8.99 and p-value of 0.006 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This implies that intense symptoms, prolonged illness and recovery time reduce students’ concentration and academic output.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter covers the following outline:

5.1 Discussion

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations

Reference
Appendix

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