Prevalence and factors associated with malaria amongst under-five children in Senga Hill District, Northern Province, Zambia, a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

In this study, the overall malaria prevalence was 31% (95% CI = 26, 38%). Subsequent data analysis revealed that correct hanging of an ITN reduced the odds of being positive for malaria by 88% (OR = 0.012, 95% CI 0.00.05, 0.304). Having two insecticide treated nests (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) done in the last spraying season reduced odds of being malaria positive by 86% (OR = 0.0.14, 95% CI 0.040, 0.510) and 58% (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21, 0.85), respectively. Further, being a male child had increased odds of being positive by 204% (OR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.52, 6.07). These results show that the prevalence of malaria among the under-five children in Senga Hill was high. Thus, all concerned bodies, including the community should strengthen ownership and encourage correct use of ITNs and acceptance of IRS service acceptance to stop the transmission of the malaria.