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Abstract Background Globally 61% of under-five children were died due to malaria. Information on malaria prevalence and associated risk factors among under-five children in the Ilu Galan district is lacking. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023. A multi-stage sampling technique was conducted to select households. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to enroll study participants. Malaria prevalence determined by thick and thin blood film microscopy and a rapid diagnostic test. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and associated factors. Data entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with malaria. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval were used to determine the strength of association. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of malaria among under-five children was 5.2% (95% CI = 3.5–7.4). P. falciparum , P. vivax , and mixed infection accounted for 71.4%, 25%, and 3.6% respectively. Staying out door at night (AOR = 3.09;95% CI = 1.01–9.48),utilization of ITN (AOR = 0.26;95% CI = 0.07–0.94), presence of eave on the house (AOR = 4.08; 95% CI = 1.20-13.44),less than 1km distance of house hold from river(AOR = 4.32;95% CI = 1.19–15.62) and presence of stagnant water nearby house (AOR = 11.40; 95% CI = 3.71–35.02) were found to increase the odds of getting malaria. Conclusion knowing that malaria is still a prevalent health problem among children under five in the study area, the local government and other concerned bodies should focus on malaria prevention and control to minimize the burden.
Kedida et al. (Wed,) studied this question.