Prevalence of malaria and associated factors among febrile patients aged five years and adults attending Ngoma district Health facilities

Abstract

Malaria is a public health problem among febrile patients aged from five years. More malaria studies have been done for under five children while little information is known for persons aged five and above. We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with malaria among febrile patients aged from five years in Ngoma district. Method Cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December, 2018. Systematic sampling method was used for participants selection. Data collection questionnaires were completed after informed or assent forms were signed by the participants. Thick blood smears were collected and tested for malaria parasites by laboratory personnel. Data entry was done through Microsoft Excel while STATA Version 13.0 was used for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was computed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables at 95%CI, p<0.05. Results: Overall, 420 febrile patients aged from five years were recruited and 257(61.2%) were confirmed malaria positive. Malaria microscopic positive results were significantly associated with being male (aOR=1.69,95%CI=1.07,2.68;p=0.02) with sixty-nine percent more likely to get infection than females. Living in Mutenderi Sector (aOR=7.04;95%CI=1.19-41.39;p=0.03) compared to living elsewhere in Ngoma district. In reference to 5-14 years age group, being in the age group of 15-24 years (aOR=0.30;95%CI=0.10-0.89);p=0.03),25-34years (aOR=0.25;955CI=0.08,0.83,p=0.01)and≥35years (aOR=0.24;95%CI=0.08,0679);p=0.00) were less likely to get malaria. Knowledge on malaria causes was found protective

Conclusion: Malaria parasitaemia was found high in aged five and above in the study area thus its prevention and control measures should be enhanced in this particular aged group as well. Moreover, particular attention is needed to male, Mutenderi residents and those in the 5-14 age group as they are more likely to get the malaria infection.