Prevalence of malaria and associated factors among febrile patients visiting Gissa Health Center, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

The public health and socio-economic burden of malaria has increased in Ethiopia in recent years. The prevalence of malaria varies considerably across districts and kebeles (smallest administrative units) in the country. Up-to-date information at the lower administration level is essential for policymakers and health authorities. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and its associated risk factors among febrile patients attending Gissa Health Center in Awi Zone, North West Ethiopia. The study was conducted from February to April 2024 among 424 febrile patients attending Gissa Health Center. Socio-demographic characteristics and potential malaria associated factors were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select study participants based on clinical examination. Blood samples were obtained from selected participants through finger-prick technique. Thin and thick blood samples were prepared and examined microscopically for the detection of malaria parasite. Blood collection and processing were conducted by trained laboratory technicians. All data were cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Of the total of 424 selected participants, 411 individuals took part in the study, yielding a response rate of 97%. Overall, 140 (34.1%) tested positive for malaria parasites. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and mixed infections were 20.9%, 9.7% and 2.4%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age below 5 years (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.09–7.00), age between 6 and 15 years (AOR = 3.85; 95% CI 1.49–9.92), being illiterate (AOR = 2.83; 95% CI 1.13–7.08), lack of regular insecticide-treated net (ITN) use (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.04–4.17), and absence of indoor residual spraying (IRS) (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.29–3.24) were independent predictors of malaria infection in the study areas. This study revealed that the prevalence of malaria in the study area remains moderate Therefore, strengthening integrated malaria prevention and control strategies including consistent ITN use and regular IRS, is essential to reduce the burden of malaria in the study area.