A 17-year trend analysis of malaria at Adi Arkay, north Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. This study aimed to determine the trend of malaria among febrile patients seeking treatment over 17 year (1997–2013) at Adi Arkay, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A 17-year malaria microscopy data were extracted retrospectively at Adi Arkay health centre. Time series and curve estimation analysis were used to evaluate trends in the data. Pearson’s Chi square test was also used to describe associations of variables. RESULTS: Over 17 years, 20,483 blood films were requested for malaria diagnosis at the health centre. Out of this, 7428 (36.1%) were microscopically confirmed malaria cases. Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and their mixed infection accounted for 68.85, 28.79, and 2.34% of all malaria cases, respectively. There was a remarkable reduction of overall malaria during the 17 years. Malaria was reported in all age groups of both sexes, but its positivity rate was significantly higher in males and in the 15–24 years than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: In relative terms, the overall positivity rate of malaria in the area over 17 years showed a significant reduction, but its magnitude as a public health problem is still alarming. Plasmodium falciparum played a significant role in the remarkable drop of overall malaria in the area, whereas vivax malaria remained unchanged. Therefore, control measures should continue to strengthen targeting both predominant malaria parasites in the area.