Environmental factors for malaria infection in Thanintharyi Region, Myanmar : a case-control study

Abstract

Introduction: The risk of malaria can be influenced by the household environment. The range of these risks can be more diverse in rural areas, which can include a mix of different housing styles and environments. Objective: This study aimed to identify environmental risk factors related to malaria infection in Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted among 153 malaria cases and 406 controls in Thanintharyi Region, Myanamar during summer 2016. WHO Rapid Diagnosis Test was used to diagnose malaria infection at mobile clinique. All participants completed questionnaires to obtain socioeconomic, house characteristics, and house environments by face-to-face interview. Multiple logistic regression was performed to quantify environmental risk factors to malaria infection. Results: Most of participants (54.5%) were male. Average age (±Standard deviation) was 35 (±12.3) years old. A lower annual income of participants was increased risk of malaria infection. Building house wall with bamboo [OR=3.63, 95%CI : 2.13,6.20], house without ceiling [OR=1.95, 95%CI : 1.25,3.03], located house close to stream [OR=1.66, 95%CI :1.12, 2.45], and area of house less than one acres [AOR= 13.96, 95%CI :3.16, 61.6] were significant risk factors of malaria infection. Moreover, participants having a poor knowledge regarding malaria [AOR=5.58, 95%CI :2.61,11.9] was increased odd of malaria infection. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that improving of the house and household environment and promoting the knowledge about malaria infection could be a feasible way to reduce the risk of malaria.