BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, despite ongoing efforts toward its control and elimination. Generating updated evidence on its epidemiology and identifying the factors linked to infection are vital for guiding targeted interventions. This study assessed the prevalence of malaria and its associated determinants among clinically suspected individuals attending Dejen Primary Hospital, Dejen District, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to November 2024. A total of 385 individuals presenting malaria-related symptoms at Dejen Primary Hospital were enrolled. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and malaria-related variables were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and examined for malaria parasites through standard microscopy procedures. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify key determinants of malaria infection. RESULTS: Overall, 46.2% of the study participants tested positive for malaria. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species, accounting for 56.1% of malaria cases. Individuals without formal education had higher odds of malaria infection (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI 0.46-3.28; p = 0.001). Similarly, residing in close proximity to mosquito breeding sites was identified as a significant determinant (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI 0.76-3.25, p = 0.020). Moreover, participants who did not use insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI 0.33-1.84; p = 0.001) or did not receive indoor residual spraying (IRS) (AOR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.27-2.05; p = 0.035) were more likely to be infected compared to those who utilized these preventive measures. CONCLUSION: Malaria remains highly prevalent among symptomatic individuals attending Dejen Primary Hospital. The findings highlight that low educational status, living near mosquito breeding sites, and inadequate utilization of key preventive measures significantly increase the risk of infection. Strengthening community education, improving environmental management, and ensuring consistent access to and use of malaria prevention strategies are essential for reducing malaria transmission in the study area.
Emnetu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.