FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MALARIA CASES AMOUNG ADULT PATIENTS AT CHONGWE DISTRICT HOSPITAL, ZAMBIA

ABSTRACT Introduction Malaria research in Zambia has largely focused on pregnant women and children under five, yet adults also play a critical role in sustaining transmission. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with malaria among adults aged ≥18 years attending Chongwe District Hospital. Methodology The study used an analytical cross-sectional study design. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic information, including age, sex, education level, occupation, and socio-economic status. Environmental and behavioural factors, such as water source and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), were also assessed. Malaria infection was tested using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Data was analysed using SPSS version 26, it was summarised using frequencies and percentages. Further, hypothesis tests such as Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were done on categorical variables and multivariable logistic regression was used to test for associations. Results A total of 134 participants were enrolled in the study, and consisted of 73 females (54.5%) and 61 males (45.4%). The study revealed an adult malaria prevalence of 14.2% among those who visited the health facility. Those with low education were associated with increased odds (aOR 5.55, P-value 0.048) of malaria compared to those with secondary education. Other variables such as gender, age, occupation, use of ITNs and water source were not statistically significant. Conclusion This study found that the prevalence of malaria among adults attending Chongwe district hospital for various ailments was higher than the expected prevalence of malaria in Lusaka district. The study further found that malaria was higher among those with lower education compared to those with higher education.