Factors influencing malaria prevalence (morbidity) in Mukono District in Uganda : A case study of Goma sub county, Mukono district

Abstract

The study was about factors influencing malaria morbidity in Goma Sub County which is located in Mukono district. The main objective was to find out the relationship between social factors (settlement pattern, distance to bushes, distance to breeding places, income spent on malaria treatment and controls) and malaria morbidity. Specifically, the study looked at the effect of demographic factor (gender) on malaria morbidity and assessed the malaria prevention strategies. A simple random sample of 398 households based on three multi-stage sampling method at parish, village and household levels was used in the study. The variables in this research were analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Under multivariate analysis, the binary logistic regression was ran for occurrence of malaria morbidity against all other variables. The following variables sex, settlement pattern, proportion of household income spent on malaria controls, distance to bushes, distance to breeding places, use of ITNs, use of IRS and use of effective treatment when sick of malaria were collected using a questionnaire. In this research, household members with many people, close distance to bushes and breeding sites and those who used a small proportion of their income on malaria controls were more likely to have malaria as compared to the reference group. From the study it was further discovered that those members who often slept under ITNs, sprayed their houses and went for effective malaria treatment were less likely to have malaria morbidity. However, the researcher revealed that sex of respondents was not a significant variable in the study. In order to reduce malaria morbidity within the region, the Malaria Control Programme should increase the coverage of insecticide treated nets in Goma sub county. It should also increase the use of indoor residue spraying (IRS) through Consortium using the insecticides which the community will accept without any attachments. There is need for by-laws with respect to brick making pits which are on the increase to be covered immediately after excavating sand and clay and slashing of bushes which harbor mosquitoes.