Prevalence of malaria infection and factors associated among HIV-infected adult patients attending HIV care and treatment clinic at Kitete regional referral hospital in Tabora region, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundHIV and malaria are serious public health concerns, particularly in Tanzania. HIV-infected individuals are more likely to get malaria and its complications. However, data on the interaction of the two diseases in Tanzania are limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria infection and associated factors among HIV-infected adults attending HIV care and treatment clinic at Kitete regional referral hospital in Tabora region, Tanzania.MethodologyThe cross-sectional study was carried out between March and May 2022 at Kitete regional referral hospital in Tanzania. A total of 246 HIV-infected adults were selected by systematic random sampling. Malaria was diagnosed using both malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) and malaria microscopy. Social demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while clinical history and laboratory parameters were extracted from patients’ files. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.1, and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study included consenting HIV+ adults and excluded pregnant women and recent antimalarial users.ResultsTwenty-six out of 242 participants 10.7% (95% CI 6.9–15.6%) tested positive for malaria using mRDT, while 20 out of 242 participants 8.3% (95% CI 4.9–13.1%) tested positive for malaria using blood smear for malaria microscopy. Independent factors associated with malaria infection were living in rural areas (aOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.06–7.45, p = 0.038), poor adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (aOR = 3.66, 95% CI = 1.04–12.7, p = 0.043), HIV viral load of ≥ 1000 copies/mL (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.00–10.5, p = 0.02, CD4 count ≤ 350 cells/µL (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.10–7.30, p = 0.03), while using mosquito nets (aOR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.08–0.90, p = 0.033) and receiving health education (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.09–0.71, p = 0.009) were protective factors.ConclusionsThe study reveals a concerning prevalence of malaria infection among adult HIV patients at Kitete regional referral hospital. Risk factors identified include a high HIV viral load, low CD4 count, lack of health education, rural residence, and non-use of mosquito nets. The results emphasize the necessity for focused health education, enhanced access to preventive measures, and consistent adherence to ART to reduce the risk of malaria in this vulnerable population.