Magnitude of Malaria and its Associated Factors among Febrile Patients Aged Five Years and above: A cross-sectional Study in Ngoma District, Rwanda

Abstract

Background Malaria remains a public health challenge among people aged five years and above. Despite the efforts made by the government of Rwanda in malaria control, the burden of malaria continues to be a health threat among humans aged five years and above Objectives To assess the prevalence and factors associated with malaria among febrile patients aged five and older in Ngoma District, Rwanda. Method A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 participants using a systematic sampling technique. Blood smears were tested for malaria parasites and questionnaire used for other data collection. Analysis was done using STATA version 13.0. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to determine factors associated with malaria infection at 95% confidence intervals and statistical significance at p< 0.05. Results Among participants, 60.7% were females, 35.9% were of 35 years and older, Malaria parasites were identified in 257 cases (61.2%). Malaria positivity associated with age ≥35 years (AOR=3.6; CI=1.3-10.02; P=0.012) and living in Mutenderi Sector (AOR=3.15; CI: 1.2, 3.9; P=0.038). Conclusion Malaria prevalence was considerable and people living in Mutenderi Sector were more likely to suffer from it. Need of strengthening Malaria prevention in older people and in Muteneri Sector in particular.