Trends in prevalence of malaria infection and associated factors in Loka Abaya District, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract

Malaria is deadly vector-borne disease which is caused by Plasmodium species. It is essential to determine the pattern and prevalence of the disease, to evaluate the effectiveness of control and prevention measures. So, this study was aimed to assess the trends in prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria in Loka Abaya district. A retrospective and community based cross-sectional studies were conducted during April to June 2023. The population >18 years were included as study participants and the total sample obtained was 186. The study participants were selected by using systematic random sampling method. Retrospective data was collected from one primary hospital and five health centers in the district. Blood samples were collected from participants through structured questionnaire. The blood samples were examined in Hantate primary hospital. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. The association of dependent and independent variables was evaluated using chi-square test, binary and multiple logistic regressions. In the last five years, 34,613 blood films were examined for malaria and 9070 (26.2 %) were found positive. The minimum rate was reported in 2018 (20.3%) and the maximum was in 2020 (30.1%). The males were 52.6% and females were 47.4%. The adults >15 years were (57.2%), 5-14 were (21.6%) and children <5 (21.2%). The P. falciparum infection was (58.8%), vivax was (38.8%) and mixed infection was (2.4%). The highest infection rate of malaria was occurred from September up to November. The prevalence rate of malaria from parasitological survey was 18.3%. Sex, occupation and family size were shown significant association with the infection. The presence of stagnant water, habit of using net, window availability and type were associated risk factors. Malaria is still health problem of the study area which needs the strength and effectiveness of prevention and control programs.