Malaria infection and associated household level risks in an urban and rural areas of West Bengal.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Malaria is one of the most critical public health problem globally as well as nationally. Recent times have seen an increase in the importance of the possible effects of environmental and demographic factors on the local transmission of malaria. We conducted a community-level study between urban and rural areas to find out the factors associated with malaria infection.

METHODS: A community based observational cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2020 to September 2022 among 330 households from urban area of Chetla, Kolkata and rural areas of Singur district of West Bengal. Households were selected by two stage random sampling method. Study done by face-to-face interview, review of medical records and observation of the households. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Multivariable logistic regression (hierarchical model) done. (p-value equal to or less than 0.05 was taken as significant).

RESULTS: The prevalence of malaria infection among participants and household level risks of malaria infection were found 6.1%, 1.8% and 18.8%, 6.7% respectively in the urban and rural areas. Significant predictors of malaria infection were household with ≥5 family members [AOR=2.91{CI (1.19-7.15)}], households not used any mosquito protective measure [AOR=3.71{CI (1.04-13.13)}], presence of mosquito breeding place [AOR=4.93{CI (1.53-15.93)}], absence of effective window screen [AOR=3.19{CI (1.16-8.71)}], absence of separate kitchen [AOR=2.38{CI (1.06-5.34)}], and inadequate lighting condition of house [AOR=4.35{CI (1.78-10.64)}].

INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: This study provides important insights into the epidemiology of malaria in a high and also low-transmission setting in West Bengal. Intensified efforts to be strengthen towards community mobilization for preventing breeding places for mosquito. Policy should strengthen investment in housing programme that may complement reduction of malaria transmission. Disease reduction effects of Government and local NGOs should be directed towards those areas in order to decrease disease load.