Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Al Managil city, Aljazeera state, Sudan

Introduction: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Aljazeera State, Sudan, substantially contributing to morbidity. This study aimed to determine malaria prevalence and associated risk factors in Al Managil City to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Managil City between August ۲۰۲۲ and April ۲۰۲۳. A random sample of ۳۸۵ individuals presenting at four healthcare facilities was enrolled. Data on demographics and potential risk factors were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Malaria infection was diagnosed by microscopic examination of thick and thin blood films. Results: The overall malaria prevalence was ۶۳.۹% (۲۴۶/۳۸۵), with Plasmodium falciparum identified in ۹۸.۲% of positive cases. The study population was ۵۴.۵% male, and ۸۹.۹% resided in rural areas. Age was significantly associated with malaria infection (P = ۰.۰۰۳), with the highest prevalence in those over ۱۵ years (۷۶.۲%) and the lowest in children under five years (۵۷.۴%). No significant associations were found with gender (P = ۰.۹۱۵) or residency (P = ۰.۲۹۵). Fever was reported in ۵۱.۹% of participants. Proximity to irrigated agricultural schemes was significantly associated with malaria infection (P = ۰.۰۰۹). Conclusion: This study demonstrates high malaria prevalence in Al Managil City, primarily due to P. falciparum. The disproportionately high prevalence in individuals over ۱۵ years highlights the need for targeted interventions. Proximity to irrigated agriculture is a significant risk factor, emphasizing the importance of environmental management. These findings support integrated malaria control strategies, including vector control and targeted interventions for young children, to reduce the malaria burden.

کلیدواژه ها:

Malaria ، Prevalence ، Risk factors ، Plasmodium falciparum ، Cross-sectional study ، Al Managil city ، Gezira state ، Sudan