Variation and Demographic Determinants of Malaria Infection in Selected Villages of Bibugn Woreda, Amhara, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, with heterogeneous transmission across ecological and demographic settings. This study assessed variation and demographic determinants of malaria infection in selected villages of Bibugn woreda, Amhara, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2016 and March to April 2017 in Ameba Amarsa, Debersina, and Moseba Shemiabo villages, which were purposively selected from the woreda. A total of 422 residents were randomly selected from the purposively selected villages. Thick and thin blood smears were examined microscopically to detect Plasmodium species. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS software. Associations between malaria infection and predictor variables were analyzed using chi-square tests at a 95% confidence level. Overall, 46 participants were positive, yielding a malaria prevalence of 10.9% (95% CI: 8.0%-14.3%). Infection was higher among males (67.39%) than females (32.61%), but not statistically significant (χ ² = 1.753, df = 1, p = 0.185). The occurrence of Plasmodium species was not significant in residence (χ ² = 3.609, df = 1, p = 0.058), but there is significant variation in age (χ ² = 9.909, df = 2, p = 0.007). Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species, accounting for 60.87% (28/46) of infections, whereas P. falciparum comprised 39.13% (18/46). Debersina village exhibited the highest proportion of infections (69.56%), followed by Moseba Shemiabo (17.39%) and Ameba Amarsa (13.04%). Malaria transmission persists at a moderate level in Bibugn Woreda, with P. vivax emerging as the dominant parasite contrasting the national pattern of P. falciparum predominance. Strengthening surveillance, improving vector control coverage, and incorporating P. vivax specific strategies are critical for accelerating malaria elimination efforts in the district.