Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Plasmodium species infection and proper utilization of insecticide treated bed nets in Dejen woreda, Amhara Regional State from October to December, 2011 to 2012. The study participants consisted of 403 people selected randomly from rural and Dejen town Kebeles of the Woreda. Examination for malaria parasites was carried out by using light microscope and rapid diagnostic test and a questionnaire administered to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of study participants about insecticide-treated bed nets. The data collected was analyzed using χ2 square test (for association of malaria) and descriptive statistics.  Fifty (12.4%) of 403 study participants examined had malaria. Out of this, 25 (50%) were Plasmodium vivax, 22(44%) Plasmodium falciparum and 3 (6%) mixed infection of P. falciparum and P. vivax. The prevalence of malaria was significantly higher in rural Kebeles (13.7%) than in Dejen town Kebeles (6.7%) (χ2 = 3.875, df = 1, P = 0.049). More males were infected compared to females (χ2 = 7.842, df = 1, P = 0.005). The questionnaire based study showed that urban Kebeles had better knowledge, attitude and practice towards protection against malaria though people in rural Kebeles possessed more insecticide-treated bed nets than people in Dejen town (χ2 =7.304, df = 1, p = 0.007). The findings of the present study have provided an empirical evidence for the need to implement effective malaria control measures to reduce malaria prevalence in Dejen Woreda.

Key words: Malaria, plasmodium, insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), prevalence, possession, utilization.