DETERMINANTS OF ASSYMPTOMATIC MALARIA AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN WESTERNKENYA
Abstract
Background: Asymptomatic malaria among adolescents has maintained malaria transmissions in malaria endemic areas contributing to lack of reduction in severe malaria incidences and mortalities. Despite universal health coverage interventions, adolescents do not consistently use Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) in malaria endemic settings.
Objectives: The general objective was to find out the determinants of
asymptomatic malaria among adolescents in Bunyala and Ugenya Sub-
Counties in Busia and Siaya Counties respectively in Kenya.
Setting: The study was carried out between 1/12/2023 and 31/01/2024 among adolescents aged 10 -19 years old in the two study sites.
Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study design among a sample size of 1367 adolescents who were screened for malaria and semi-structured questionnaires used. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square and logistic regression models were used, p-value<0.05 was significant.
Results: Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 56.7%(n=776). 702(52%) used ITNs the previous night. Un-use of ITNs was 1.854 times more likely led to asymptomatic malaria {p=0.000, AOR 1.854, 95% CI 1.492 – 2.304)}. Factors that significantly affected use of ITNs included; gender(aOR =1.3, 95% CI 1.045- 1.658, p = 0.005), site of study(aOR =2.6, 95%CI = 2.0 – 3.3, p = 0.000), age, sleeping place(OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.2-1.95, p = 0.000), type of floor material(aOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0 – 1.7, p = 0.000), sleeping surface(Aor 2.5, 95%CI 1.9 -3.3, p-value 0.000) and whether they had seen bedbugs at home(AOR 1.689, 95% CI 1.3 – 2.1).
Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of malaria, higher than average for the lake endemic zone. Inconsistent use of ITNs and factors influencing their use were established to be determinants for asymptomatic malaria among the adolescents. This calls for prompt actions targeting this age-group who are little focused on in malaria interventions in malaria endemic settings like Ugenya and Bunyala.
