Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with an estimated 241 million cases and 627,000 deaths reported in 2020. Children under five years of age are the most vulnerable group, accounting for approximately 80% of malaria-related mortality. In Rwanda’s Bugesera District, over 80,000 malaria cases were recorded in 2020, of which 38% occurred among children under five. Despite national prevention efforts, malaria continues to pose a major threat in endemic areas such as Nyamata.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of malaria infection among children under five years of age attending Nyamata District Hospital, with the goal of informing more targeted interventions.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 mothers of hospitalized under-five children, selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were applied to determine associations between potential risk factors and malaria infection, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of malaria infection among under-five children was 14.6% (58/396), significantly lower than the district average of 38% and the >30% typical in high-transmission regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria infection was significantly associated with proximity to rivers (AOR = 0.406; p = 0.004) and the presence of stagnant water in household storage containers (AOR = 0.025; p = 0.001). Use of insecticide-treated bed nets (AOR = 5.631; p = 0.613) and indoor residual spraying (AOR = 9.706; p = 0.225) were not statistically significant, possibly due to inconsistent use or insecticide resistance. Household income (p = 0.004) and limited access to healthcare (AOR = 13.074; p = 0.061) also influenced malaria risk.
Conclusion: The study highlights the continued risk of malaria among under-five children in Nyamata, driven primarily by environmental and socioeconomic factors. Integrated malaria control strategies that emphasize environmental management, community awareness, improved healthcare access, and equitable distribution of prevention tools are crucial. These findings can support policymakers and health authorities in designing more effective, context-specific malaria interventions in Rwanda and similar settings.
Keywords: (MeSH): Prevalence, Malaria Infections, Under Five-Year-Old Children, Nyamata District Hospital, Rwanda.
Title: The Prevalence and Factors Associated with Malaria Infections among the Under Five-Year-Old Children Attending Nyamata District Hospital, Rwanda
Author: Consolatrice NAKURE, Amos HABIMANA
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025
Page No: 363-376
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 03-July-2025
