Prevalence of plasmodium infection and associated risk factors among household members in Southern Ethiopia: Mult-site cross-sectional study

Despite continuous prevention and control strategies in place, malaria remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. This study is, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of plasmodium infection and associated risk factors in selected rural kebeles in southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2019. Mult-stage sampling techniques were employed to select the study districts and kebeles from four zones. Blood sample were taken from 1674 participants by finger prick and thin and thick smears were examined by microscopy. Socio-demographic data as well as risk factors for malaria infection were collected using questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The overall prevalence of malaria in the study localities was 4.5% (76/1674). The prevalence was varied among the study localities with high prevalence in Bashilo (14.6%; 33/226) followed by Mehal Korga (12.1%; 26/214). Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant parasite accounted for 65.8% (50/76), while P. vivax accounted 18.4% (14/76). Co-infection of P. falciparum and P. vivax was 15.8% (12/76). The prevalence of malaria was 7.8% (27/346) in age less than 5 years and 7.5% (40/531) in 5-14 years. The age groups >14years were less likely infected with plasmodium parasite (AOR=0.14, 95% CI 0.02-0.82). Asymptomatic individuals more likely had malaria infection (AOR = 28.4, 95% CI 011.4-70.6). Individuals living proximity to mosquito breeding sites have higher malaria infection (AOR = 6.17, 95% CI 2.66 - 14.3). Malaria remains a public health problem in the study localities with lower age group and asymptomatic individuals had higher plasmodium infection. Thus, malaria prevention and control strategies targeting children and asymptomatic cases are crucial to reduce malaria related morbidity and mortality.