Household Predictors of Malaria Episode in Northern Uganda: Its Implication for Future Malaria Control
Loading...
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Square
Abstract
Uses of indoor residual spraying (IRS), long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINS) and treatment with
artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) are greatly promoted in northern part of Uganda as mitigating strategies
for malaria episodes. Unfortunately, the region still records the highest malaria prevalence of 63%. This study assesses
household predicators of malaria in the region and their impact on malaria episodes at the household levels.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts of Gulu, Oyam, Kitgum and Agago covering sixteen
villages in northern Uganda. In total, 193 households were surveyed. Data was collected through pre-tested structured
questionnaire and systematically coded for analysis using R software.
Results:
Women headed 58% of the 193 households surveyed. Six hundred and five (605) individuals were declared to have
spent the previous night in these households. On average, there were two bed nets per household and 502 (86%) spent
the night prior to interview under a bed net. Overall, malaria episodes were strongly related to lack of bed nets or lack
of use thereof, and directly linked to the number of individuals in a household. Children were prone to malaria more
than adults by a ratio of 2:1. When given a choice between insecticides (IRS) and treated bed nets, 1 in 3 households
preferred treated bed nets. At the same time, data suggests that bed nets were perceived unnecessary once IRS was
applied. If true, the driving force to spraying insecticides indoor then becomes lack of a bed net.
Conclusions:
Household predicators of incidence of malaria in northern Uganda includes bed nets, use of treated bed nets, and
indoor residual spraying with households not practicing any of these bearing the heaviest burden of malaria.
Hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) clusters households into four types in northern Uganda, 1)
household that use bed nets and sleep in houses sprayed with insecticides; 2) households that use bed nets but no
indoor residual spraying with insecticides; 3) households that have no bed nets and no indoor residual spraying; and
4) test bed nets before use. Malaria incidence was higher in children as compared to the adults.
Description
Keywords
Predicators, Malaria, Indoor residual spraying, Long-lasting insecticidal nets Uganda
Citation
Echodu, R., Oyet, W. S., Iwiru, T., Apili, F., Lutwama, J. J., Opiyo, E. A., & Otim, O. (2021). Household Predictors of Malaria Episode in Northern Uganda: Its Implication for Future Malaria Control. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-918628/v1