Determinants of malaria prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 17 sub-Saharan African countries
Insights from Malaria Indicator Surveys
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19530962 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alemneh Tadesse Kassie (0009-0008-3829-4100, University of Gondar, corresponding author), Astewil Moges Bazezew (University of Gondar), Tadesse Tarik Tamir (0000-0003-0760-1100, University of Gondar), Berhan Tekeba (0000-0002-6608-8880, University of Gondar), Gebreeyesus Abera Zeleke (0009-0004-8978-8910, University of Gondar), Enyew Getaneh Mekonen (0000-0002-9316-245X, University of Gondar), Helen Lamesgin Endalew (University of Gondar), Mulugeta Wassie (0000-0002-4079-0524, University of Gondar), Alebachew Ferede Zegeye (0000-0002-7042-7662, University of Gondar) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 2677281-2677281 |
| Publication date | 2026-12-31 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Global Health Action (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/16549716.2026.2677281 |
| PMID | 42170922 |
| OpenAlex | W7162092200 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 53 |
BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a major public health burden among children under five in several Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, largely attributable to their underdeveloped immune systems, constrained access to healthcare services, and environmental conditions conducive to transmission. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the key determinants of malaria infection among children under five by examining both individual-level characteristics and community-level drivers within this vulnerable population. METHODS: < 0.05. Determinants were reported as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The analysis showed that more than one-third of children under five in several sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries were infected with malaria. At the individual level, significant risk factors included age (1-2 years: AOR = 1.46) and low household wealth index (AOR = 1.94). Protective factors were maternal primary education (AOR = 0.84) and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (AOR = 0.80). At the community level, increased malaria risk was associated with rural residence (AOR = 2.69) and high community illiteracy rates (AOR = 1.76). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight the sustained health threat that malaria poses to children under 5 years of age in many sub-Saharan African countries. Policymakers should prioritize reducing infections in vulnerable groups, expanding access to insecticide-treated bed nets, and promoting targeted health education to strengthen family and community awareness
Developing country · Functional illiteracy · Malaria · Odds · Odds ratio · Public health · Residence · Rural area · Malaria Research and Control · Mosquito-borne diseases and control · Parasites and Host Interactions
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Independent Associations of Maternal Education and Household Wealth with Malaria Risk in Children
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |