PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF MALARIA AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSON IN TENT CITY OF HYDERABAD, SINDH

Abstract

Background: Flooding is associated with increased malaria transmission in many regions worldwide. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that specifically investigate the seroprevalence and determinants of malaria subtypes among flood-affected internally displaced population (IDPs) in Sindh, Pakistan. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of malarial types and risk factors associated with them.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the IDPs in Hyderabad, Sindh who were affected during August – October 2022 floods. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data about their demographic background, current signs and symptoms, and basic knowledge on malaria. Individuals with an axillary temperature > 100ºF and myalgia at the time of data

collection were included in the study and after seeking consent they were assigned to either Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) or Microscopy for malaria. Data was entered, described and analyzed using Stata v. 16.0.

Results: Out of all registered IDPs [N= 4980], almost half of them [n=2640; 53%] who were found to be suffering from fever, were included in the study [age range= 1 day to 96 years]. Total prevalence of malaria patient positive was found to be 13.41%; 1.7% affected by Plasmodium Falciparum and 11.7% by Plasmodium Vivax. Gender, age and pregnancy were found significantly associated with

malaria [p ≤ 0.05].

Conclusion: This study offers a thorough analysis of the demographics, diagnosis, and prevalence of malaria in a IDPs in Sindh due to flood. The results underline the necessity of specialized healthcare interventions that take gender, age, and pregnancy status into account.