Malaria Prevalence And Associated Factors Among Children Below The Age Five Years Attending Nakaloke Health Center Iii In Nakaloke Town Council, Mbale District

Abstract

Introduction: It is noted globally over 95 countries and territories have on going malaria transmission with an estimated 3.2 billion people who are at risk of getting infected. The WHO indicates that 214 million people are infected with malaria worldwide and of these 438,000cases result in deaths. Children below five years are the most susceptible to malaria illness which accounts for estimated deaths of 303,000 before reaching age five globally and 292,000 occur in the African region (WHO world malaria report 2016). Objective: To determining the prevalence of malaria and the associated risk factors among children below 5 years in Nakaloke HC III, Nakaloke town council in Mbale district. Methodology: The study was a quantitative and cross section survey which involved a sample size of 243 care takers of 243 children below the age of five who attended Nakaloke HCIII. A convenient sampling method allowed data to be collected about malaria prevalence and the associated factors simultaneously in the months of August and September 2017. Results: The prevalence of malaria was high 118(48.6%) and the factors that were significant with malaria prevalence included; house hold source of light (x 2 = 8.560, P=0.036), care taker knowledge of signs and symptoms (loss of appetite) x 2 =4.023, P=0.045) and environmental factor about presence of garbage heaps (x 2 =4.322, P=0.038). Conclusion: Prevalence of malaria was high and it was influenced by house hold source of light, knowledge and signs and symptoms of malaria and garbage heaps around the homes. Recommendations: This study recommended that caretakers should not stop at having knowledge about malaria prevention transmission, but should have a positive attitude on the implement of the preventive measures. Health unit workers, community health workers and VHTs together with stakeholders should put in more effort to ensure that information about malaria is communicated to the caretakers in languages best under stood and should mainly target the vulnerable households in the community. The town council authorities and local leaders need to work with community to ensure proper garbage disposal. The Town council health team has to liaise with the district health team to strengthen the health system on prevention and control of malaria through sustainable messages like posters on malaria, TV messages and programs on malaria. Lobby for electricity in all the households of the town council.