Prevalence of Malaria and Associated Risk Factors Among Children Under 15 Years of Age Living Near the Gilgel Gibe Hydroelectric Dam in Southwestern Ethiopia

Background and aims: Malaria is endemic in Jimma Zone, southwestern Ethiopia. The Gilgel Gibe hydroelectric dam (GGHD) in the area might exacerbate the transmission of malaria. This study assessed the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among children under 15 years of age living along the dam. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in six kebeles along the GGHD from May 2021 to December 2022. Data on households’ (HHs) sociodemographic characteristics and exposure to mosquito bites and prevention strategies were collected from 320 HHs. After obtaining child assent and parental consent, a blood sample was collected from 1,374 febrile children from 825 HHs (including 320 HHs) and diagnosed with malaria infection using microscopy. Results: About 92% (n=294) reported mosquito bites, and 74.1% (218) experienced bites during night time. Further, 69.7% (205) had mosquito nets, and 60.2% (177) slept under the net the previous night. Respondents who reported frequent mosquito bites had twice risk of malaria infection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.22–3.23, P=0.02). In addition, the prevalence of malaria was 4.3% (12) and two times higher among children who did not sleep under a mosquito net the previous night (AOR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.47–6.86, P=0.04). Conclusion: The overall malaria prevalence was higher in October than in May or December. The prevalence of malaria was higher among children under 15 years of age living in HHs found with in ≤ 3 km of GGHD than in those>3 km from GGHD. The prevalence of malaria was associated with the absence of HH mosquito net availability and residents’ lack of using mosquito nets the previous night.