Malaria Prevalence and Risk Factors in University Communities of Eastern Uganda: a case of Islamic University in Uganda

Author(s):  
Abdishakur Elmi Warsame ◽  
Jamilu Edrisa Ssenku ◽  
Shaban Alemu Okurut ◽  
Joseph Luwaga Mpagi ◽  
Jacob Stanley Iramiot ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Malaria remains the world’s leading vector-born cause of mortality and morbidity, and Eastern Uganda contains some of the country’s highest prevalence rates. Though academic societies, such as universities, may be prone to high malaria transmission, the extent of the burden and risk factors in university communities of Eastern Uganda are poorly understood. The aim in this study was to examine malaria prevalence, preventive strategies, and risk factors, among University communities in Eastern Uganda; to inform targeted malaria eradication efforts in academic settings. Methods: A mixed methods approach was applied. A case study of Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), located in Eastern Uganda, was selected. A retrospective approach was used to determine malaria prevalence in IUIU from August to December 2019. Stratified random sampling was used to select IUIU community members; these were subjected to semi-structured questionnaires and Key informant Interviews (KII) to examine the preventive approaches and risk factors. An observational survey was also conducted to identify barriers to malaria prevention. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, graphs, Chi-square, and pictures; with STATA version-15.0. Results: The study involved 255 respondents (204, 80% students, 51, 20% staff); 130, 51% were males, 125, 49% were females. Malaria prevalence was; 12.9%, 11.7% and 12.7% for students, staff, and the general study population respectively. Lowest prevalence was registered in November (8.3% for students, 0% for staff), and the highest in December (18.4% for students, 6.7% for staff). Overall malaria prevalence in IUIU was significantly greater than Uganda’s national prevalence (χ2=182.009; p<0.0001; 95%CI). The commonest intervention was, sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito-nets (96%), and the rarest was usage of medicinal herbs (15%). Though 41 (17.5%) of respondents who used mosquito-nets never suffered malaria, usage of mosquito-nets was not significantly associated with absence of malaria infection (p = 0.83). The same applied for other interventions except timely testing and treatment (p = 0.02). Most frequently mentioned risk factors were; improper use of mosquito nets (214, 84%), inappropriate depositing of garbage (196, 77%), and “staying out late” (133, 52%). Key barriers to malaria prevention observed were; usage of damaged bed nets (38, 19% of 198), clogged trenches with liquid wastes, and perforated wire meshes in ventilators. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of malaria in IUIU community was 12.7%; and was significantly higher than Uganda’s national prevalence (7%). Usage of insecticide-treated bed-nets was the commonest intervention, but showed no statistically significant association with malaria non-prevalence. Awareness programs should be enhanced to address inappropriate use of malaria control methods/tools, because the widespread adoption of these interventions alone did not effectively curb the burden.

Author(s):  
Abdishakur E. Warsame ◽  
Jamilu E. Ssenku ◽  
Joseph L. Mpagi ◽  
Stanley J. Iramiot ◽  
Shaban A. Okurut ◽  
...  

Introduction: Malaria remains the world’s leading vector-born cause of mortality and morbidity, and Eastern Uganda contains some of the country’s highest prevalence rates. Though academic societies, such as universities, may be prone to high malaria transmission, the extent of the burden and risk factors in university communities of Eastern Uganda are poorly understood. The aim in this study was to examine malaria prevalence, preventive strategies, and risk factors, among University communities in Eastern Uganda; to inform targeted malaria eradication efforts in academic settings. Methods: A mixed methods approach was applied. A case study of Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), located in Eastern Uganda, was selected. A retrospective approach was used to determine malaria prevalence in IUIU from August to December 2019. Stratified random sampling was used to select IUIU community members; these were subjected to semi-structured questionnaires and Key informant Interviews (KII) to examine the preventive approaches and risk factors. An observational survey was also conducted to identify barriers to malaria prevention. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, graphs, Chi-square, and pictures; with STATA version-15.0.  Results: The study involved 255 respondents (204, 80% students, 51, 20% staff); 130, 51% were males, 125, 49% were females. Malaria prevalence was; 12.9%, 11.7% and 12.7% for students, staff, and the general study population respectively. Lowest prevalence was registered in November (8.3% for students, 0% for staff), and the highest in December (18.4% for students, 6.7% for staff). Overall malaria prevalence in IUIU was significantly greater than Uganda’s national prevalence (χ2=182.009; p<0.0001; 95%CI). The commonest intervention was, sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito-nets (96%), and the rarest was usage of medicinal herbs (15%). Though 41 (17.5%) of respondents who used mosquito-nets never suffered malaria, usage of mosquito-nets was not significantly associated with absence of malaria infection (p = 0.83). The same applied for other interventions except timely testing and treatment (p = 0.02). Most frequently mentioned risk factors were; improper use of mosquito nets (214, 84%), inappropriate depositing of garbage (196, 77%), and “staying out late” (133, 52%). Key barriers to malaria prevention observed were; usage of damaged bed nets (38, 19% of 198), clogged trenches with liquid wastes, and perforated wire meshes in ventilators. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of malaria in IUIU community was 12.7%; and was significantly higher than Uganda’s national prevalence (7%). Usage of insecticide-treated bed-nets was the commonest intervention, but showed no statistically significant association with malaria non-prevalence.Awareness programs should be enhanced to address inappropriate use of malaria control methods/tools, because the widespread adoption of these interventions alone did not effectively curb the burden.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Yakobo Nyahoga ◽  
Zanda Bochkaeva

University campuses are potential reservoirs of infectious diseases, but they are not in the research focus. It is obvious that the use of malaria preventive tools is extremely necessary in campus conditions in endemic countries. This study is the first malaria survey, conducted in a student campus in Tanzania. This cross-sectional study uncovered a surprisingly high prevalence of malaria history among students: 89,4% of 246 random respondents assume that they had malaria in history, among whom 145 (58,9%) suffered from the disease during the last year. And although students are relatively confident about the vector, parasite, and prevention measures of the disease, only 44,7% of the students use bed nets and 4,5% use a body spray or ointment daily. The others seldom use spray or ointment or do not care about the problem at all. This situation was found to be associated with two factors, financial and educational. Current results show that students are relatively educated on malaria, but they do not follow the malaria prevention guidance. It has become clear that at least proper informational propaganda of bed net use is required in Tanzanian university campuses.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mebrate Dufera ◽  
Regea Debsu ◽  
Gemechu Tiruneh

Abstract Background: Although much progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality worldwide in the last decade, malaria still remains the third leading cause of death and still considered as major public health problem. Objectives : The main objective of this study was to assess malaria as a public health problem in and around sugar cane plantation area of Arjo Didhessa sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study supplemented with clinical retrospective data, which included 452 study subjects was employed and the study period extended from May 2016 up to November of 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess malaria risk factors and blood samples were received from all study participants and further subjected to Giemsa staining for determination of malaria prevalence. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.Malaria risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression at significance level of P < 0.05 . Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 3.1%; Plasmodium vivax being the main type of malaria parasite. Overnight outdoor sleeping and improper utilization of mosquito bed nets were found to be statistically significant as malaria risk factors in the community. In the retrospective studies of five years, the peak malaria cases (13.84%) were reported in 2013 and less cases (1.24%) in 2017. Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria observed in the area is still higher as compared to national prevalence of malaria. Therefore; we recommend further strengthening of malaria prevention and control strategies. Additionally, educative training opportunities must be provided for workers in the plantation area on malaria prevention and control.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mebrate Dufera ◽  
Regea Debsu ◽  
Gemechu Tiruneh

Abstract Background: Although much progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality worldwide in the last decade, nationally malaria still remains the third leading cause of death and still considered as major public health problem. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess malaria as a public health problem in and around sugar cane plantation area of Arjo Didhessa sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study supplemented with clinical retrospective data, which included 452 study subjects was recruited and the study period was extended from May 2016 up to November of 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess malaria risk factors and blood samples were received from all study participants and further subjected to Giemsa staining for determination of malaria prevalence. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.Malaria risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression at significance level of P < 0.05 . Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 3.1%; Plasmodium vivax being the main type of malaria parasite. Overnight outdoor sleeping and improper utilization of mosquito bed nets were found to be statistically significant as malaria risk factors in the community. In the retrospective studies of five years, the peak malaria cases (13.84%) were reported in 2013 and lowest cases (1.24%) in 2017. Conclusions: The figure of malaria witnessed in this area remains higher than the observed national malaria prevalence indicating malaria is still remains a public health problem.Therefore, we suggest the factory administrators and health care professionals to work more on raising awareness to avoid night outdoor sleeping and effective and appropriate utilization of insecticide treated nets and regular indoor residual spraying. Key words : Arjo Didhessa, malaria, malaria risk factors


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Hastuti Tongkodu ◽  
Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto ◽  
Trisno Agung Wibowo

The habits of bathing, washing, and defecation associated with malaria events in Pagedongan, BanjarnegaraPurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with the incidence of malaria in Pagedongan, Banjarnegara.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 262 respondents in Pagedongan, Banjarnegara. GPS was used to determine the coordinate points of the respondent's house.ResultsThe prevalence of malaria increased 1.2911 times greater in people who bathe, wash, and defecate outside of the house compared with malaria prevalence in people who did not bathe, wash, defecate outside the house, and it was statistically significant (p=0.0021).ConclusionThe use of mosquito nets, the use of mosquito coils, night out, washing, bathing, defecation the presence of gardens were statistically significant risk factors for malaria incidence. In addition, there was found a clustering of cases (primary cluster) of malaria incidence that was statistically significant. Education on the importance of using mosquito nets, and the use of mosquito repellent, to avoid mosquito bites at night while sleeping need to be done, while 3M implementation program also needs to be improved.


Author(s):  
Judith Lum Ndamukong-Nyanga ◽  
Tchanga Chanceline Flore ◽  
Ngo Batandi Helen Virginie ◽  
Fegue Celestine

Malaria prevention methods are diverse. Their availability sometimes does not guarantee effective usage and the use of each method in isolation may not provide the necessary results for the fight against malaria. Pregnant women are relatively more vulnerable and so it is recommended that they should be protected against malaria. Proper protection will require the use of long lasting insecticide treated mosquito bed nets as major malaria prevention method. This study was designed to find out malaria prevalence and factors influencing the use of mosquito bet nets among pregnant women of Biyem-Assi Health District. Information on the knowledge of malaria and use of malaria prevention methods, especially bed nets was collected from 302 pregnant women attending prenatal clinics in health institutions within the Biyem-Assi Health District of Yaounde VI subdivision using a pretested questionnaire. Thick smear was prepared for screening Plasmodium parasites. Analysis was done using EPI INFO version 16 (Chicago IL USA) and test of Chi 2. The study revealed that malaria prevalence was 48.5%. The shape of mosquito net had a significant (P = 0.05) effect on its use and a reduction on prevalence of malaria. The use of mosquito bed net was 47.7% while some of the women (52.3%) did not use it. Profession significantly influenced (P ˂ 0.04) the use of mosquito bed nets. Some of the women did not use mosquito bed nets for different reasons such as heat, forgetfulness, neglect, dislike, etc. The shape and color influenced the use, but this was not significant. Use of mosquito bed nets as major malaria prevention methods is not considered as priority by pregnant women. Sensitization campaigns by government and NGOs should reduce malaria prevalence during pregnancy and give a priority position to mosquito bed nets. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihretu Tarekegn ◽  
Habte Tekie ◽  
Sisay Dugassa ◽  
Yitbarek Wolde-Hawariat

Abstract Background Ethiopia embarked on combating malaria with an aim to eliminate malaria from low transmission districts by 2030. A continuous monitoring of malaria prevalence in areas under elimination settings is important to evaluate the status of malaria transmission and the effectiveness of the currently existing malaria intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malaria and associated risk factors in selected areas of Dembiya district. Methods A cross-sectional parasitological and retrospective survey was conducted in the two localities of Dembiya District, selected based on their long standing history of implementing malaria prevention and elimination strategies. Thin and thick blood smears collected from 735 randomly selected individuals between October and December, 2018 were microscopically examined for malaria parasites. Six years (2012–2017) retrospective malaria data was collected from the medical records of the health centres. Structured questionnaires were prepared to collect information about the socio-economic data of the population. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine a key risk factor explaining the prevalence of malaria. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The 6-year retrospective malaria prevalence trend indicates an overall malaria prevalence of 22.4%, out of which Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant species. From a total of 735 slides examined for the presence of malaria parasites, 3.5% (n = 26) were positive for malaria parasites, in which P. falciparum was more prevalent (n = 17; 2.3%), Plasmodium vivax (n = 5; 0.7%), and mixed infections (n = 4; 0.5%). Males were 2.6 times more likely to be infected with malaria than females (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.0, 6.4), and individuals with frequent outdoor activity were 16.4 times more vulnerable than individuals with limited outdoor activities (AOR = 16.4, 95% CI 1.8, 147.9). Furthermore, awareness about malaria transmission was significantly associated with the prevalence of malaria. Conclusions Malaria is still a public health problem in Dembiya district irrespective of the past and existing vector control interventions. Therefore, the authorities should work on designing alternative intervention strategies targeting outdoor malaria transmission and improving community awareness about malaria transmission and control methods in the study area. For this, continuous monitoring of vectors’ susceptibility, density, and behaviour is very important in such areas.


Author(s):  
Mwamba Mulamba ◽  
Bob Mash

Background: Malaria in pregnancy is associated with many negative outcomes for the woman,foetus and neonate. Intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) using three doses of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP), insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spray (IRS), constitute the main strategies used to prevent malaria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies for the reduction of malaria prevalence in pregnant women.Methods: A questionnaire on socio-demographic information, history of malaria during current pregnancy and prevention strategies used was administered to 450 consecutive patients admitted into labour wards at three local clinics. From the antenatal cards, information was collected on the last menstrual period, date of each dose of SP taken, gravidity, and HIV status. A blood slide to detect Plasmodium was then collected from each woman after consent.Results: Of the participants in the study, 2.4% had a positive blood slide at term and 15.8% reported malaria during pregnancy. All the participants took at least one dose of SP with 87.6% completing the stipulated three doses. The mean gestational ages for each dose were 22.1 (SD 4.6), 29.1 (SD 4.4)and 34.4 (SD 3.9) weeks for the first, second and third dose respectively. With regard to ITNs, 79.5% had one, but only 74.1% used it regularly. IRS was completed in all three of the clinics’ catchment areas. Only 23.4% used commercial insecticide.Conclusion: The measured prevalence of malaria at term in Ndola was remarkably low, although the self-reported rate during pregnancy was still high. The national targets for accessing IPTp were exceeded, although the timing of each dose needs to be improved. Access to ITNs was high, but usage needs to increase.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mebrate Dufera ◽  
Regea Debsu ◽  
Gemechu Tiruneh

Abstract Background: Although much progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality worldwide in the last decade, malaria still remains the third leading cause of death and still considered as major public health problem. Objectives : The main objective of this study was to assess malaria as a public health problem in and around sugar cane plantation area of Arjo Didhessa sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study supplemented with clinical retrospective data, which included 452 study subjects was employed and the study period extended from May 2016 up to November of 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess malaria risk factors and blood samples were received from all study participants and further subjected to Giemsa staining for determination of malaria prevalence. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.Malaria risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression at significance level of P < 0.05 . Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 3.1%; Plasmodium vivax being the main type of malaria parasite. Overnight outdoor sleeping and improper utilization of mosquito bed nets were found to be statistically significant as malaria risk factors in the community. In the retrospective studies of five years, the peak malaria cases (13.84%) were reported in 2013 and less cases (1.24%) in 2017. Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria observed in the area is still higher as compared to national prevalence of malaria. Therefore; we recommend further strengthening of malaria prevention and control strategies. Additionally, educative training opportunities must be provided for workers in the plantation area on malaria prevention and control. Key words : Arjo Didhessa, malaria, malaria risk factors


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mebrate Dufera ◽  
Regea Debsu ◽  
Gemechu Tiruneh

Abstract Background: Although much progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality worldwide in the last decade, nationally malaria still remains the third leading cause of death and still considered as major public health problem. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess malaria as a public health problem in and around sugar cane plantation area of Arjo Didhessa sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study supplemented with clinical retrospective data, which included 452 study subjects was recruited and the study period was extended from May 2016 up to November of 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess malaria risk factors and blood samples were received from all study participants and further subjected to Giemsa staining for determination of malaria prevalence. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.Malaria risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression at significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 3.1%; Plasmodium vivax being the main type of malaria parasite. Overnight outdoor sleeping and improper utilization of mosquito bed nets were found to be statistically significant as malaria risk factors in the community. In the retrospective studies of five years, the peak malaria cases (13.84%) were reported in 2013 and lowest cases (1.24%) in 2017. Conclusions: The figure of malaria witnessed in this area remains higher than the observed national malaria prevalence indicating malaria is still remains a public health problem.Therefore, we suggest the factory administrators and health care professionals to work more on raising awareness to avoid night outdoor sleeping and effective and appropriate utilization of insecticide treated nets and regular indoor residual spraying. Key words: Arjo Didhessa, malaria, malaria risk factors


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