Factors Associated with Asymptomatic Malaria Infection Among Patients Attending Out Patient Department at Kamanga Referral Hospital in Mwanza Tanzania.

Abstract

This study investigates the factors associated with asymptomatic malaria infections among patients attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) at Kamanga Medics Referral Hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. Asymptomatic malaria, characterized by the presence of malaria parasites without clinical symptoms, poses significant challenges to malaria control efforts due to its potential to sustain transmission within communities. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed, involving 200 outpatients aged five years and above. Data were collected using Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (MRDT) and demographic questionnaires. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and identify demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to its persistence. The findings revealed a prevalence of 38.5% for asymptomatic malaria among the participants. Notable factors associated with asymptomatic malaria included gender, age, residential area, and the use of treated mosquito nets. Specifically, females exhibited a higher prevalence (44.6%) compared to males (29.1%), while individuals in rural areas had significantly higher infection rates (71.0%) than those in urban settings. The study also highlighted that a substantial proportion of participants (66%) had not used antimalarial medication in the previous three months. The implications of the study underscore the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at reducing asymptomatic malaria cases, particularly in high-burden areas. Enhanced screening, community education on malaria prevention, and improved access to healthcare services are crucial for effective malaria control. The research contributes to the understanding of asymptomatic malaria dynamics, providing insights for public health policies and future research directions aimed at malaria elimination in Tanzania. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing asymptomatic malaria to mitigate its impact on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Future research should explore the genetic factors influencing susceptibility and the effectiveness of interventions in reducing asymptomatic malaria prevalence.