Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection and associated risk factors in mizan-aman town, Ethiopia

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.