Risk Factors for Cerebrospinal Meningitis Outbreaks in Northern Nigeria: A Look at Age, Sex and Season

Abstract

Abstract Background: Nigeria is one of the countries in the Sahel region where cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) is a public health concern. Over the years, a concerning number of meningitis cases have been reported in Nigeria’s northern region. Aim: To investigate gender, age and month dynamics of CSM outbreaks from the northern region of Nigeria to improve the surveillance of the disease. Materials and Methods: Records of 390 symptomatic patients were collected from the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria for three years (2020–2023). The data were transformed into categorical data with three explanatory variables (month, age and sex). To determine the significance of these factors on meningitis outbreaks, we fitted logistic regression to model the data. Results: Men were more susceptible to the disease than women, and the majority of meningitis cases were reported during the Harmattan season (October, November and December). The majority of patients were under 24 years old, most of which were children. The logistical regression models also showed that while gender and month had significant effects on the disease, age was a less significant variable contributing to meningitis outbreaks. Conclusion: The northern region of Nigeria had the highest number of meningitis cases during the dry season, especially October, November and December and in the under 24 years’ age group. Men reported a slightly higher incidence of meningitis than women. To strengthen meningitis surveillance and prevent a resurgence of the disease, it is necessary to pay attention to these dynamics.