PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF MALARIA AMONG THE COMMUNITY OF LOKA ABAYA DISTRICT, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, despite the widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. In most rural Ethiopian settings, insecticide-treated net coverage and proper use are major challenges. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, the proportion of Plasmodium species, and the risk factors for disease transmission in the study area. Methodology: From April to May of 2023, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 participants in Loka Abaya District, Sidama. A face-to-face interview and visual observation were used to collect socio-demographic data and other associated factors. A capillary blood sample from each study participant was collected and tested with smear microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests for the presence of malaria parasites. Epi-data manager version 4.6 was used to enter and clean the data, and SPSS version 26 was used to analyze it. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression results were used to assess the association between the dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was defined at p-value < 0.05. Result: The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 61 (14.6%) with 95% CI: 11.0 - 18.0. The relative proportions of P. falciparum and P. vivax infection were 59.0% and 36.1% respectively, while the proportion of mixed (P. falciparum and P. vivax) infection was 4.9%. No formal education (AOR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.10 - 5.94) compared to secondary and above education, low monthly income (AOR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.07 - 8.25) compared to high monthly income, those who did not have ITN (AOR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.14 - 5.75), never used ITN during sleep (AOR: 2.875; 95% CI: 1.130 - 7.317), living in areas with stagnant water (AOR=2.12, 95% CI: 1.14 - 3.99) were independent predictors of malaria infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria in the study population was high, with P. falciparum being the most common causative agent. Regarding associated factors, educational status, monthly income, ITN availability and utilization, and the presence of stagnant water around the house were all potential determinants of malaria. Continued community health interventions focusing on the proper use of ITN, drainage of stagnant water, and increased public awareness about reducing the risk of insect bites have the potential to reduce infection.