Prevalence of malaria and its risk factors in Sabah, Malaysia. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramdzan, A.R.; Ismail, A.; Mohd Zanib, Z.S.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 91(2020)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Malaria -- Sabah -- Prevalence -- Plasmodium knowlesi; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.11.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: The prevalence of malaria infection was found to be approximately 33.6% in Sabah; i.e. about one third of the community had a malaria infection. This was mainly contributed by Plasmodium knowlesi, which is simian malaria. Males were found to be more susceptible to malaria due to their occupations, with labourers being the biggest group infected by malaria. The majority of patients infected with malaria were Sabahan and living in rural areas. Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria in Sabah and its potential risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study analysed secondary data obtained from the health clinics in Sabah, Malaysia from January to August 2016. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyse the relationships between malaria infection and socio-demographic characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was performed in order to determine the risk factors for malaria in Sabah. Results: Out of 1222 patients, 410 (33.6%) had a laboratory-confirmed malaria infection. Infection by Plasmodium knowlesi accounted for the majority of malaria reports in Sabah ( n =340, 82.9%). Multivariable analysis indicated that males (prevalence odds ratio 0.023, 95% confidence interval 0.012-0.047) and those living in a rural area (prevalence odds ratio 0.004, 95% confidence interval 0.002-0.009) were at higher risk 24.0–95.9) and those living in a rural area (adjusted odds ratio 212.6, 95% confidence interval 105.8–427.2) were at higher risk of acquiring a malaria infection. Conclusions: Malaria infections in Sabah, Malaysia are common, with P. knowlesi being the most common malaria parasite. The infection was associated with several socio-demographic and geographical factors. Thus, mitigation measures should be considered to address modifiable risk factors for malaria infection.