Studies on the Prevalence of Malaria and Utilization of Mosquito Nets in Dubti Woreda, North East Ethiopia
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Date
2019-05-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Malaria is a major health and socio-economic problem in developing countries of the world including Ethiopia. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria infection in patients who visited Dubti Health Center for the last five years (2006 – 2010 E.C). A retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria infection from laboratory registered records in Dubti Health Center and 274 household heads were purposely selected from Kebele 01 of Dubti town and rural Kebele Ayrolaf to assess the knowledge, possession and utilization of mosquito nets. Examination for malaria parasites was carried out using light microscope and rapid diagnostic test. Structured questionnaires were administered to gather relevant information on socio-demographic, associated risk factors of malaria infection, possession and utilization of mosquito nets in households. Data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS version 20. Prevalence of the disease was 9.1% and 3.3% in males and females, respectively. During the past five years, a total of 47,651 thick and thin Giemsa stained blood films were examined for malaria diagnosis in Dubti health center and 4153 (8.7%) microscopically confirmed malaria cases were reported with slightly lower in magnitude from 2006 to 2009 E.C, and slightly increased in 2010 E.C. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 8.7 %. Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and mixed infection of the two were 91.3%, 8.6%, and 0.2%, respectively. Prevalence of the disease was 62.6% and 37.4% in males and females, respectively. Mixed infection was observed in age groups of 5- 14, and ≥15 years old. The association of prevalence of malaria infection with sex and age was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The apparent fluctuation of malaria trends in the area and the highest peak of malaria cases were reported during the month of February in the last five years. Malaria prevalence was 12.4% and the knowledge of malaria transmission and control was good. The concerned bodies should inspect, follow-up and create awareness of the community about the use of mosquito net for the intended goal in the study area.
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Dubti, Malaria Prevalence, Mixed Infections, Mosquito Nets, Plasmodium Species