Malaria prevalence, knowledge and associated factors among household heads in Maygaba town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Malaria remains a leading public health issue in Ethiopia, despite wide use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs). Consistent use of ITNs reduces malaria transmission by 90%. However, coverage and proper use of ITNs are the major challenge for most rural settings of Ethiopia. We assessed the prevalence of malaria, ITNs use and associated factors among household heads in Maygaba town, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 403 households using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from household heads and examined for malaria parasites by microscopy. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to check the association between the dependent and independent variables. Of the 403 blood samples, 19 (4.7%) had malaria parasites (12 cases of Plasmodium falciparum and 7 cases of Plasmodium vivax). Majority of the respondents were aware of the cause, communicability, preventability and curability of the disease. ITNs use was identified as the main malaria prevention method. About 64% (257) of the respondents owned ITNs, of which, 66.9% (172) consistently slept under the nets during the peak malaria season. Majority of the respondents (83.6%) had positive attitude towards the benefit of sleeping under ITNs. Educational status and livelihood of the respondents had statistically significant (p < 0.05) association with malaria knowledge. Malaria infection was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among household heads aged 18–30 years (AOR = 5.982; 95% CI = 1.715–20.863). Moderate prevalence rate and acceptable ITNs ownership was detected among the community of Maygaba town. However, a considerable proportion had misconceptions about the use of ITNs. A comprehensive malaria control measures and health education about the use of ITNs should be in place for effective prevention and control of malaria in the locality.

Factors associated with the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets in pregnant women and mothers with children under five years of age in Gaza province, Mozambique

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Determinants of malaria infection among under five children in Gurusum district of Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia

“…The results indicate that participants who had received health information about malaria were less likely to have malaria than those who had not, with a COR of 1.78 and a 95% CI of 1.04-3.04. This evidence supported by study done in different part of Ethiopia (31). This suggests that health information about malaria may have a protective effect against malaria infection.…”

Knowledge Attitude and Practice towards Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sodo District Southern Ethiopia

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