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Factors associated with malaria infection in under-5 children in Papua Province, Indonesia: an observational study
Betty Roosihermiatie1, Gurendro Putro1, Arga Setyo Adji2
1Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor Regency, Indonesia.
Insights
Malaria prevention in Indonesian children under 5 involves using insecticide-treated nets and ensuring homes have open windows, especially in kitchens. These simple measures significantly reduce infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Malaria poses a significant public health threat in tropical regions like Indonesia.
- Children under 5 are particularly vulnerable to malaria due to immature immune systems.
- This study investigates malaria risk factors in young children in Papua Province, Indonesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors associated with malaria infection in children under 5 years old in Papua Province, Indonesia.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for malaria prevention strategies targeting vulnerable populations.
- To analyze the impact of household environmental factors and behavioral practices on malaria transmission.
Main Methods:
- Utilized secondary data from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Research.
- Employed multistage random sampling across 928 census blocks in Papua Province.
- Analyzed laboratory-confirmed malaria positivity in 2,745 children under 5, considering socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental variables.
Main Results:
- Not sleeping under an insecticide-treated net (ITN) within 3 years was linked to increased malaria risk (aOR=0.518, p<0.001).
- Having a kitchen without windows (aOR=0.491, p=0.01) and rarely opening living room windows (aOR=2.804, p=0.01) were associated with higher infection rates.
- Windowless living rooms also showed a significant association with malaria infection (aOR=3.027, p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Consistent use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is crucial for malaria prevention in young children.
- Household ventilation, specifically open windows in kitchens and living rooms, plays a protective role against malaria.
- Public health interventions should consider promoting ITN usage and improving household ventilation in malaria-endemic areas.
Background:
Malaria remains a serious public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia. Children under 5 years old face particular risk of contracting malaria due to low immunity. We examined potential factors associated with malaria infection among under-5 children in Papua Province, Indonesia.
Methods:
The study utilized secondary data from Indonesia Basic Health Research 2018. Multistage random sampling was employed, from the province level to census blocks (CBs). In Papua Province, interviews were conducted in 928 CBs. All 2,745 under-5 children were selected. The dependent variable was laboratory-confirmed malaria positivity; independent factors included residential area, socioeconomic characteristics, and behaviors such as sleeping under an insecticide net impregnated ≤3 years ago and the use of ventilation barriers. We also examined the conditions of the bedroom, kitchen, and living room according to the frequency of window-opening, proportion of ventilation area to the floor, and radiance.
Results:
Not sleeping under an insecticide net impregnated within the last 3 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.518; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.391-0.685; p<0.001); having a kitchen without windows (aOR, 0.491; 95% CI, 0.285-0.844; p=0.01); rarely opening the living room window (aOR, 2.804; 95% CI, 1.232-6.383; p=0.01), and having a windowless living room (aOR, 3.027; 95% CI, 1.369-6.696; p=0.01) displayed significant relationships with malaria infection among under-5 children.
Conclusion:
Not using an insecticide-treated net impregnated ≤3 years ago, along with opening the living room window daily and having a kitchen without windows, appear preventive of malaria infection among under-5 children.
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