Abstract:
Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia remains an ef ective transmission pool for
malaria infection in a community. But it has less attention in malaria controlling and elimination
strategies. Therefore, in order to achieve a malaria elimination strategy, it is crucially important
to investigate the magnitude of asymptomatic malaria in dif erent settings of these countries. However; there is no enough information on the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection
and associated risk factors in Bench Sheko Zone, southwest Ethiopia. This study, therefore, aimed to provide information and help for sustainable malaria elimination. Objective: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection, hemoglobin levels, and associated risk factors in Mizan-Aman town, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2019, in Mizan-Aman town, southwest Ethiopia. Socio-demographic data were collected using a semi- structured questionnaire. Plasmodium parasite infection was screened by using microscopy and
RDT. HemoCue was used to measure the level of hemoglobin. SPSS version 20.0 was applied for
description and Logistic regression statistics to assess the association between the asymptomatic
malaria infection and risk factors. P-value <0.05 was used as a cutting value of significance. Results: A total of 353 participants without malaria like symptoms were enrolled in this study. 17 (4.8 %, 95% CI= 2.57, 7.03) of asymptomatic malaria case were revealed. Of this 12(70.58
%, 95% CI= 65.75, 75.25) was due to P.vivax and 5 (29.41 %, 95% CI= 24.74, 34.25) was due
to P.falciparum. The presence of mosquito breeding sites [AOR=6.06 (1.76 – 20.82)], utilization
of ITN [AOR=3.51(0.97 – 12.68)], and IRS [AOR=3.95 (1.26 – 12.37)] were significantly
associated with asymptomatic malaria. n= 15 (4.2 %, 95 % CI [2.11, 6.29]) out of overall
anemia was determined; of these 20 %( 3/15) of mild anemia were found among asymptomatic
malaria cases. Also, there was a significant association between malaria and anemia
[OR=5.786 (1.46- 22.85)] in this study. Conclusion and recommendations: Asymptomatic malaria is an important public health
problem in the study area. Low coverage of IRS, ITN, and proximity of stagnant water in
residence had an impact on asymptomatic malaria. Further studies are needs on the burden of
asymptomatic malaria using the molecular method, and Bench-sheko regional health of ice
better to scale-up of malaria prevention and controlling tools.
