Epidemiology of malaria and utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets in Kola Diba, northwest Ethiopia

In many sub-Saharan African countries, there is a paucity of recent data on the epidemiology of malaria and utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), which aid health planners in implementing timely corrective measures and enhancing early preparedness. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria, malaria knowledge, and ITN utilization in Kola Diba town, northwest Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023 in Kola Diba, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 404 individuals who visited Kola Diba Primary Hospital during the study period were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from each study participant and examined for the presence of malaria parasites. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics, knowledge of malaria and its risk factors, and ITN utilization. The overall malaria prevalence in the study area was 26.45 %. Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), and co-infection by the two parasites were identified in 19.55 %, 5.20 %, and 1.73 % of participants, respectively. Participants who lived near stagnant water (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 2.06 (1.05–4.01)) and had a hole in their house wall (AOR (95 % CI) = 3.07 (1.61–5.88)) were more likely to get malaria. Urban residents (AOR (95 % CI) = 0.56 (0.34–0.92)) and ITN users (AOR (95 % CI) = 0.35 (0.21–0.60)) had lower odds of malaria infection. 91.83 % of participants had heard of malaria, 77.23 % recognized at least one sign or symptom of malaria, and 98.02 % were aware that mosquitos can spread malaria. There was a high prevalence of malaria in the study area, and factors such as residence and utilization of ITNs were associated with malaria infection, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to mitigate risk factors and reduce transmission.