Prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria infection in Boricha District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia: implications for elimination strategies

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a major public health threat in Ethiopia despite the tremendous progress made towards the 2030 elimination targets. The silent transmission of asymptomatic infection is one of the factors that enhance the persistence of the disease as a public health issue and impedes efforts to eliminate malaria. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria infection in Boricha district, Sidama region of Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight selected kebeles (smallest administrative unit) in Boricha district. Representative households were chosen using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 573 participants were included in the study. Malaria diagnosis was performed using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic information. Epi data 3.1 was employed for data entry, and SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 573 asymptomatic participants tested, 6.1% were found to be positive by RDT and 4.0% by microscopy. Participants aged under 5 years (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI 0.46–5.39) and 5–14 years old (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.08–5.40), Insecticide-treated net utilization (AOR = 8.41; 95% CI 1.09–65.08), travel history (AOR = 6.85, 95% CI 2.32–20.26) and living in a house with windows (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.02–4.36) were significantly associated with the asymptomatic malaria infection. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection was higher in the study area. As a result, rigorous implementation of existing interventions, such as vector control and anti-malaria drugs, is strongly recommended. In addition, devising new ones that are suited to the contextual situations is highly suggested.