Assessment of Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Suspected Individuals at Dejen Primary Hospital, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background Malaria is still a public health concern in Ethiopia. However the ongoing effort to control the disease, its incidence has been rising in recent years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and identify associated risk factors among individuals suspected of having the disease at Dejen Primary Hospital between April and November 2024. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the health facility, involving 385 individuals who sought care for febrile illnesses at Dejen Primary Hospital. The socio-demographic characteristics and malaria-related data were collected through structured questionnaires. Blood samples were taken from each participant and analyzed for malaria parasites using microscopic examination. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was deployed to determine the risk factors associated to malaria prevalence. Results The results showed that 46.23% (178 out of 385) of the participants tested positive for malaria, with Plasmodium falciparum accounting for the majority of cases (70.4%). Significant associations were found between malaria infection and socio-demographic factors such as lack of formal education and living close to mosquito breeding sites (p < 0.05). Inadequate housing conditions and inconsistent use of preventive measures also contributed to higher malaria prevalence among participants. Conclusion The findings highlight a high level of malaria transmission in the study area, driven by a combination of social, environmental, and behavioral factors. To effectively reduce the burden of malaria, integrated control strategies are essential. These should include public education campaigns, improvements in housing and sanitation, and sustained access to diagnostic, treatment, and preventive services.