RISK FACTORS INFLUENCING MALARIA INFECTION IN COMMUNITIES OF THE BONO REGION, GHANA: INDIVIDUAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVES

Malaria is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by parasitic organisms transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes carrying the infection. This study examined individual and environmental perspectives on the risk factors of malaria infection in Bono Region, Ghana. An analytical cross-sectional study design was used in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and a data extraction form was used to collect malaria data from repositories of the Ghana Health Service, Bono Regional Health Directorate. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions and percentages of variables in each objective, were performed, and an inferential analysis was performed using binary logistic regression to determine environmental factors associated with malaria infection or endemicity in communities in the Bono Region. Findings showed that there was a statistically significant association between the use of insecticide-treated nets rarely and the prevalence of malaria in the bivariate model (p=0.0001) (OR=17.70, 95% CI: 3.885-12.820). Participants who traveled to a malaria-endemic area in the last 3-6 months had a statistically significant association with prevalence of malaria in the bivariate model at (p=0.0001) (OR=382.08, 95% CI: 51.821-2817.203). Similarly, having control measures of breeding sites of mosquitoes was statistically significantly associated with prevalence of malaria in the bivariate model at (p=0.0001) (OR=8.049, 95% CI: 4.734-13.683). In the 2020–2024 period, malaria trends in Bono showed sharp fluctuations, with notable spikes in mid-year months, indicating the need for intensified interventions during those periods. Seasonal variation in malaria prevalence was evident, with peaks observed predominantly during the rainy and humid months, suggesting a strong link between climatic conditions and disease transmission. The persistence of malaria in Bono is largely driven by preventable environmental and behavioral risk factors. This study highlighted that the persistence of malaria in Bono Island is largely driven by preventable environmental and behavioral risk factors. Thus, it was recommended that healthcare workers should collaborate with community leaders to organize a health education programme that will focus on improving preventive measures against malaria in communities.