Abstract:
Background: Unacceptably high levels of illness and mortality caused by malaria are worldwide
public health concern. In Ethiopia, it is estimated that 68% of the population lives in areas where
malaria is a concern, and that 75% of the country has malaria. Still, there is scarcity of data about
malaria and factors associated with malaria infection in Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern
Ethiopia.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among symptomatic
and asymptomatic patients in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia from December 1, 2023 to January
31,2024.
Methods: Institution based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 578
symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria patients in Goro heath center, Dire Dawa. Study
participants who were attending the health facility during the study period were involved in the
study consecutively. Two experienced nurses were participated in identifying symptomatic and
asymptomatic participants. Capillary blood samples were collected and used to prepare thin and
thick blood smears, which were then stained using 10% Giemsa and examined under light
microscope. Epi info version 7.2 was used for data entry and Statistical Product and Service
Solutions (SPSS) Version 27 for analysis.
Results: The prevalence of malaria among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients was 19.4%
(95% CI: 14.89-24.41) and 4.8% (95% CI:2.67-7.99), respectively. P. falciparum was the
predominant species 6.57% (38) and P. vivax 5.54 % (32) from symptomatic group. Presence of
stagnant water near residence was significantly associated with malaria 2.51 (AOR=2.51, 95%
CI:1.24-5.08).
Conclusion: Malaria prevalence was high among symptomatic than asymptomatic participants.
Presence of stagnant water near residence was significantly associated with malaria infection
among symptomatic patients. Hence, this study recommends continued public health
interventions targeting, drainage of stagnant water and improve public awareness about malaria
transmission.
