Factors Associated with Malaria Infection among Hawkers in the Greater Accra Region

Abstract

Background: Hawkers constitute mobile population who are at increasing risk of being infected with malaria. They move around the city to carry out their duties. Most of them have no accommodation. They sleep wherever they find themselves in the evening and do not benefit from most of the malaria intervention programs such as the use of long lasting insecticide net. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with malaria infection among hawkers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Method: The study was conducted in the Accra Metropolis in the Greater Accra Region. Hawkers (head potters) were recruited from the Agbogbloshie market. Blood sample was collected from participants to test for malaria parasites infection and were interviewed using a closed-ended questionnaire. The data was statistically analyzed using STATA software version 15. Simple descriptive statistics, Pearson chi square and multiple Logistic Regression were performed. Significance was set at p<0.05 Result: The study revealed 12% and 9.8% prevalence of malaria using RDT and microscopy respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was the main parasite detected in all positive blood slide examinations (microscopy). Factors associated with malaria among head potters includes; age OR 0.11(CI 95%=0.01-0.98), marital status OR 3.52(CI 95%=1.13-10.92) and knowledge on preventive strategies with an OR 0.62(CI 95%=0.26-1.64). Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of malaria among hawkers (head potters). Factors associated were age, marital status and knowledge on preventive strategies. This research further recommends that more education should be carried out among these population to expand their knowledge on malaria especially on its preventive strategies and its practice.