The influence of socio-economic factors on malaria incidence in Mayuge district, eastern Uganda

Abstract

Malaria is recognized as the world’s major health threat affecting development especially in low income countries. Malaria is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide especially in the developing world. In Uganda, malaria is highly endemic with 90-95% of the population exposed to high transmission. This may partly explain the high incidence of malaria in Bukatube Sub County in Mayuge district with Bukatube Sub County alone constituting 40% of the district registered cases compared to the national figure of 25% - 40% of outpatient visits to health facilities (Mayuge ,2013). The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of socio-economic factors on Malaria incidence in Bukatube Sub County. The study specifically aimed at establishing malaria incidence, determining the socioeconomic factors around the selected household and establishing the relationship between the socioeconomic factors and Malaria incidence in Bukatube Sub County, Mayuge District in Eastern Uganda. It was a cross-sectional study and largely quantitative in nature where a total of 384 households were selected by a multi-stage probability sampling technique. Household interview questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, environmental factors and ITN use. Logistic regression was used to detect predictors of malaria incidence. The study ascertained that malaria incidence was high at 91%. Key predictors of malaria incidence were: Household income (OR = 0.01; 95% CI 0.01 – 0.88) as well as nature of dwelling house (OR = 3.50; 95% CI 1.11 to 11.01). The study concludes that there is an association between malaria incidence and low income which may hinder households from accessing health care services as well as affording malaria preventive measures. Therefore the central government through line ministries and development partners need to improve the economic status of households and increase awareness about malaria prevention measures to reduce malaria-associated morbidities. Through public private partnership, emphasis should be put on low cost mosquito free houses since housing is an important risk factor for malaria. Also future research by the academia and development practitioners should evaluate the protective effect of both specific house features and incremental housing improvements associated with socio economic development.