Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2021 May 26:12:107-121.
doi: 10.2147/RRTM.S306001. eCollection 2021.

Malaria Infection is High at Transit and Destination Phases Among Seasonal Migrant Workers in Development Corridors of Northwest Ethiopia: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Tesfaye Tilaye  1 , Belay Tessema  2 , Kassahun Alemu  3
Affiliations

Malaria Infection is High at Transit and Destination Phases Among Seasonal Migrant Workers in Development Corridors of Northwest Ethiopia: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Tesfaye Tilaye et al. Res Rep Trop Med. .

Abstract

Purpose: Malaria is a leading public health problem in Ethiopia. Every year, thousands of seasonal farm workers travel to farm corridors in Northwest Ethiopia and fall at risk of malaria infection. However, the magnitude of malaria infection and risk factors during harvest time were not well identified. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors of malaria infection among seasonal migrant workers in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted at transit and destination phases in Metema district from September 15, 2018 to October 30, 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A capillary blood sample was collected to examine infection with malaria parasite using a microscope. A multivariate logistic regression technique was used to determine risk factors.

Results: The malaria prevalence at transit and destination phases among migrant workers was 13.5% (95% CI: 12.07-14.93%) and 18.7% (95% CI: 16.40-21.02%), respectively. The combined prevalence was 16.1% (95% CI: 14.67-17.63%). The odds of malaria infection among migrant workers at the destination phase was 1.5 (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.167-1.846) times higher compared to the transit phase. Education (AOR=8.198; 95% CI: 4.318-15.564), knowledge of antimalarial drugs (AOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.43-3.95), and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (AOR=5.0; 95% CI: 3.34-4.43) were significantly associated with malaria infection at migration phases.

Conclusion: This study showed that the burden of malaria among seasonal migrant workers was high at transit and destination phases. Malaria prevalence was higher at the destination phase compared to the transit phase. A tailored malaria prevention intervention is needed including awareness creation, screening, treatment, repellent, and prophylaxis at both phases to reduce malaria infections.

Keywords: destination; malaria; malaria prevalence; seasonal migrant farm workers; transit.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of Metema district, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia, Ethiopia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. World Health Organization. World Malaria Report 2014. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2014.
    1. Dufera M, Dabsu R, Tiruneh G. Assessment of malaria as a public health problem in and around Arjo Didhessa sugar cane plantation area, Western Ethiopia. BMC Public Health. 2020;20:1–10. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08784-5 - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. World Health Organization. World Malaria Report 2019. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2019.
    1. WHO. World Malaria Report 2020. 20 years of global progress and challenges. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2020.
    1. Nega D, Dana D, Tefera T, Eshetu T. Prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria parasitemia among pregnant women in the rural surroundings of Arbaminch Town, South Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2015;10(4):e0123630. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123630 - DOI - PMC - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources