Malaria Prevalence and Risk Factors in Outpatients at Teda Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background. Despite extensive efforts and achievements made in prevention and control, malaria is still a public health problem in Ethiopia. Currently, the case number has been climbing, even changing the epidemiology to the previously low-burden reporting locations. Therefore, our study is aimed at...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Parasitology Research |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2024/8919098 |
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| Summary: | Background. Despite extensive efforts and achievements made in prevention and control, malaria is still a public health problem in Ethiopia. Currently, the case number has been climbing, even changing the epidemiology to the previously low-burden reporting locations. Therefore, our study is aimed at assessing malaria prevalence and associated risk factors in outpatients, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 318 malaria-suspected outpatients from October 22 to December 15, 2022, at Teda Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia. Sociodemographic characteristics and malaria risk factors were assessed by a face-to-face interview using a pretested questionnaire. Plasmodium parasites were detected by using microscopy on a blood film stained with 10% and 3% Giemsa stain. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25, and statistical significance was reported at a p value < 0.05. Results. Of the 318 study participants, 124 (39.0%; 95%CI=33.6%−44.6%) tested positive for Plasmodium infection. Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, and mixed infections were identified in 71 (57.3%), 47 (37.9%), and 6 (4.8%), respectively, among positive study participants. Individuals above the age of 15 (AOR=2.704, 95% CI 1.370-5.336) were more likely to be infected with Plasmodium than under-five-year-old individuals. Rural residents (AOR=2.56, 95% CI 1.281-5.098), those who sleep or work outside at night (AOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.020-3.875), and individuals who did not use long-lasting insecticide-treated net (AOR=3.26, 95% CI 1.633-6.499) and had a family member with a history of malaria (AOR=2.902, 95%CI=1.671−5.041) had higher odds of acquiring Plasmodium infection than their counterparts. Conclusion. In our study area, malaria was a major health problem, with P. vivax being the dominant species. Multiple environmental and behavioural factors were associated with the infection acquisition. Therefore, urgent holistic intervention is required. |
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| ISSN: | 2090-0031 |