ADISU NEDU¹, WEYNSHET TAFESSE², ASHENAFI ABOSSIE ¹, TSEGAYE YOHANES¹

¹Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Arba Minch, Ethiopia

²Wachamo University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hosanna, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

Background:  Malaria is a major public health problem affecting all age groups of individuals. Children <5 years old are the most vulnerable groups to malaria infection because of poorly developed immune system. According to WHO malaria control strategies, countries have set targets that led to malaria control and elimination with interventions at high risk groups, particularly for children <5 years. Despite the intervention strategy, malaria infection remains high and continues to pose a major public health challenge in those areas.

Objective: This study aimed at determining the magnitude of malaria and associated factors among febrile children under five years old in Gamo-Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May,2017 in Arba Minch “Zuria” district. Blood sample were collected from 271 systematically selected febrile children < 5 years old. Thin and thick blood smears were prepared, stained with 10% Giemsa and examined under light microscope. Socio-demographic data, associated factors, and knowledge and prevention practices of malaria were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The analysis was performed using binomial/multinomial regression model in SPSS version 25 statistical software.

Result: Among those febrile children, 22.1% (60/271,) were positive for malaria; 50.0%, 48.33 % and 1.66 % of them were positive for P. falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infection of both parasites, respectively. Malaria infection was significantly associated with nearby presence of stagnant water to residents (AOR=10.4531, 95% CI= (4.492,24.326), P<0.0001). Children who slept under insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) were more likelihood to be protected from malaria infection than those did not sleep ITNs (AOR =8.597 95% CI = (3.913-18.888), P<0.0001).

Conclusion: There was high prevalence of malaria infection in children <5 years old. The presence of stagnant water near to residence and not using ITN are the determinant factors for malaria infection. Improved access to malaria interventions and education how to interrupt its transmission is needed at the community level. In addition, the control and elimination strategies should focus on the at risk groups.

Key-words: Malaria, Plasmodium, Children, Febrile illness, Gamo-Gofa, Ethiopia