Assessment of risk factors associated with malaria transmission in tubu village, northern botswana.
This study investigated potential risk factors associated with malaria transmission in Tubu village, Okavango subdistrict, a malaria endemic area in northern Botswana. Data was derived from a census questionnaire survey, participatory rural appraisal workshop, field observations, and mosquito surveys. History of malaria episodes was associated with several factors: household income (P < 0.05), late outdoor activities (OR = 7.016; CI = 1.786-27.559), time spent outdoors (P = 0.051), travel outside study area (OR = 2.70; CI = 1.004-7.260), nonpossession of insecticide treated nets (OR = 0.892; CI = 0.797-0.998), hut/house structure (OR = 11.781; CI = 3.868-35.885), and homestead location from water bodies (P < 0.05). No associations were established between history of malaria episodes and the following factors: being a farmer (P > 0.05) and number of nets possessed (P > 0.05). Eave size was not associated with mosquito bites (P > 0.05), frequency of mosquito bites (P > 0.05), and time of mosquito bites (P > 0.05). Possession of nets was very high (94.7%). Close proximity of a health facility and low vegetation cover were added advantages. Some of the identified risk factors are important for developing effective control and elimination strategies involving the community, with limited resources.
Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana.
Elijah
E
Chirebvu
College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa.
Moses John
MJ
Chimbari
College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa.
Barbara Ntombi
BN
Ngwenya