Factors Influencing the Uptake of Malaria Prevention Measures in the Endemic Sub-Counties of Moyo District

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a public health challenge in sub Saharan Africa, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of all malaria deaths. In Uganda, there were 12.7 million malaria cases and 17,556 estimated deaths in 2022 alone. Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the uptake of malaria prevention measures in the endemic sub- counties in Moyo District. Methods: This cross-sectional study, with a sample size of 313 households calculated using the Kish Leslie (1965) formula. collected data via structured questionnaires from randomly selected households. Analysis was conducted using STATA Version 17 at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels to identify factors influencing the adoption of malaria preventive practices. Ethical approval was secured through the Lira University Research Ethics Committee (LUREC). Results: The uptake of malaria preventive measures was high (96.2%), with Dufile subcounty achieving 100% adoption, while Lefori subcounty (91.7%). Borehole water use (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.04, p =0.008) and belief in ITN/IRS effectiveness (AOR = 5.56, p = 0.043) were significant predictors of adopting ≥3 practices. Other factors, including education (p = 0.820), income (p = 0.209), cultural beliefs (p = 0.404), and health facility proximity (p = 0.302), were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with the malaria preventive measures in multivariate analysis, suggesting mediation by water source and ITN/IRS beliefs. Conclusion: High uptake of malaria preventive measures in Moyo District reflects effective interventions, but gaps in health-seeking behavior, particularly in Lefori subcounty, highlight the need for targeted strategies. Leveraging boreholes for health education and sustaining belief in ITN/IRS effectiveness can enhance malaria prevention.