Household practices and infrastructure associated with high Plasmodium falciparum infection rates among children under five years old in Northern Uganda.

Abstract

Background: It remains unclear how household structure and practices can contribute to Uganda's goal of becoming a malaria-free nation by 2040. Effective malaria prevention and control require the implementation of measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets, indoor residual spraying (IRS), treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), maintaining suitable housing structures, and practicing environmental management at the household level. This study examines household structure and practices related to malaria prevalence in children under five years old, as well as prevention and control efforts across five districts in Northern Uganda.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five districts (Gulu, Omoro, Amuru, Pader, and Lamwo) from November 2022 to March 2023 to assess malaria prevalence, prevention practices, and health-seeking behaviours. Data were collected using rapid diagnostic tests for Plasmodium falciparum, observational checklists, and pre-tested questionnaires, with analysis performed using IBM SPSS Statistics.

Results: The survey included 597 households and 4524 individuals, with 25.6% being children under five years of age. Of 1157 children under five, 597 (51.6%) were tested, revealing RDT positive prevalence of 44.1%. Most households had over seven members, with an average of 3.69 people per bed net. While 77.6% of households owned mosquito nets, visual inspection revealed 70.2% were torn, and only 48.7% of individuals slept under a net the night before the survey. IRS coverage was low, with 97.7% of households not sprayed in the last three months. Health-seeking behaviour predominantly involved government health centers. Housing structures, particularly mud/clay walls and grass-thatched roofs, were significantly associated with higher malaria prevalence (p < 0.001). Were their enough untreated nets?

Conclusion: A high prevalence of malaria was observed in children under five years old. This was closely linked to the poor use of bed nets, low coverage of IRS, and inadequate housing structures, which primarily consisted of grass-thatched roofs and mud or clay walls. The study highlights the urgent need for improved housing, IRS, and consistent use of insecticide-treated nets to reduce malaria prevalence.