Occurrence of asymptomatic malaria infection and living conditions in the lowlands of Ethiopia; a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: A significant decline in malaria burden was documented in previously high burden African countries. Even though the global decline in malaria burden was significant, about 95% of it was typically found in 29 African countries. The considerable reduction in malaria incidence was noted due to effective prevention and treatment efforts, and rapid changes in living conditions. The relationship between the occurrence of asymptomatic malaria infection and household living conditions is well unstudied. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between household living conditions and the occurrence of asymptomatic malaria in the lowlands of Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in twelve villages of Gambella, SNNPR and Afar in Ethiopia. A total of 1366 households were randomly selected, interviewed, and tested for malaria by Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and blood film microscopic examination.Results: Dwellings built with traditional wall materials (p = 0.050), spending nights with cattle in the same house (p=0.000), and availability of a kitchen in the main house with no partition (p = 0.004), were significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria infection after adjusting for the effect of other confounding variables.Conclusions: Policies and strategies on malaria elimination need to address or target improvements of living conditions of rural residents.