Abstract:
Background: Malaria is a disease of significant public health importance caused by
protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa bear a
disproportionately high burden of global malaria cases. Most of the areas in Ethiopia are
favourable for malaria transmission putting about 52% of the population at risk. Pregnant
women and under-five children are at high risk of malaria due to their low level of resistance
to the disease.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of malaria and associated factors
among under-five children and pregnant women in Hidabu Abote District.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected kebeles of
Hidabu Abote District from September to November, 2021. Blood samples were collected
for investigation of Plasmodium infection from 281 under-five children and 221 pregnant
women. Data on socio-demographic and malaria-associated factors were collected using
questionnaire. Data were entered into epidata 4.6.0.2 version and analysed using SPSS
version 23. And p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 502 study participants were included in the study of which 281 were
under-five children and 221 were pregnant women. The prevalence of malaria using
microscopy and RDT was 12 (2.4%) and 13 (2.6%), respectively. Malaria prevalence among
under-five children and pregnant women was 2.5% (95%CI=0.7-4.3) and 2.7% (95%CI=1-
5.8), respectively. P.vivax were the predominant species. The presence of stagnant water
around the home [AOR=8.2(95%CI=1.35-49.04)] and living in houses that had not been
sprayed with IRS in the last year [AOR=5.64(95%CI=1.09-28.89)] were identified as malaria
risk factor for under-five children. Not attending ANC [AOR=9.24(95%CI=1.07-79.8)],
absence of IRS [AOR=8.07(95%CI=1.01-64.47], living near stagnant water [AOR=8.34
(95% CI=1.06-65.57)] and previous malaria infection in the last one year [AOR=6.4
(95%CI=1.24-33.311)] were identified as malaria risk factor among pregnant women.
Conclusion This community-based study revealed that malaria is still public health problem
among pregnant women and under-five children. Living near stagnant water and in houses
with no IRS were the major malaria risk factors. Strengthening malaria control efforts
emphasizing vector control interventions is recommended.
