The burden of malaria and associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Mozambique: a nationwide cross‑sectional survey.
7 affiliations
- 1Department of Development Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. [email protected].
- 2Tinpswalo Association, Vincentian Association to Fight AIDS and TB, Chókwè, Gaza, Mozambique.
- 3Nucleo de Pesquisa Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.
- 4Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Administration and Management, Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania.
- 5Centre of Excellence in Health Monitoring and Evaluation, Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania.
- 6Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- 7Department of Development Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in Mozambique despite ongoing prevention and control interventions. Understanding the sociodemographic and household factors associated with malaria is essential for designing targeted public health strategies. This study aimed to determine the burden of malaria and identify its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Mozambique.Methods
This study used secondary data from the nationally representative 2022-23 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample of 4,016 children aged 6-59 months who underwent malaria rapid diagnostic testing (mRDT) was included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants' characteristics and estimate malaria prevalence. Associations between malaria and independent variables were assessed using modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.Results
The overall prevalence of malaria among children aged 6-59 months was 32.3% (95% CI 29.1-35.7), with marked regional variation ranging from 0% in Cidade de Maputo to 54.7% in Nampula Province. In the multivariable analysis, malaria was independently associated with older child age (24-59 months) (APR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.42-1.76), rural residence (APR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.10-1.68), maternal primary education (APR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.52-2.81), informal maternal education (APR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.49-2.78), unimproved roof materials (APR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.07-1.56), middle wealth status (APR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.43-2.70), poor wealth status (APR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.73-3.37), anemia (APR = 2.89; 95% CI 2.42-3.45), malnutrition (APR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.02-1.21), residence in the central zone (APR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.41-2.64), and residence in the northern zone (APR = 3.06; 95% CI 2.24-4.19).Conclusion
Malaria remains highly prevalent among Mozambican children and is strongly associated with socioeconomic and household conditions. Bold, integrated, and equity-driven action that strengthens health systems, addresses social determinants, and protects the most vulnerable children are urgently required.
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BibTeX
@article{adam2026burden,
title = {{The burden of malaria and associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Mozambique: a nationwide cross‑sectional survey.}},
author = {Jovinary Adam and Isabelle Munyangaju and Syabo Mwaisengela and Hawa Mbawala and Pankras Luoga},
journal = {Malaria journal},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12936-026-06070-0},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894229},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The burden of malaria and associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Mozambique: a nationwide cross‑sectional survey.
AU - Jovinary Adam
AU - Isabelle Munyangaju
AU - Syabo Mwaisengela
AU - Hawa Mbawala
AU - Pankras Luoga
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Malaria journal
DO - 10.1186/s12936-026-06070-0
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894229
AB - Background Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in Mozambique despite ongoing prevention and control interventions. Understanding the sociodemographic and household factors associated with malaria is essential for designing targeted public health strategies. This study aimed to determine the burden of malaria and identify its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Mozambique.Methods This study used secondary data from the nationally representative 2022-23 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample of 4,016 children aged 6-59 months who underwent malaria rapid diagnostic testing (mRDT) was included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants' characteristics and estimate malaria prevalence. Associations between malaria and independent variables were assessed using modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.Results The overall prevalence of malaria among children aged 6-59 months was 32.3% (95% CI 29.1-35.7), with marked regional variation ranging from 0% in Cidade de Maputo to 54.7% in Nampula Province. In the multivariable analysis, malaria was independently associated with older child age (24-59 months) (APR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.42-1.76), rural residence (APR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.10-1.68), maternal primary education (APR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.52-2.81), informal maternal education (APR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.49-2.78), unimproved roof materials (APR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.07-1.56), middle wealth status (APR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.43-2.70), poor wealth status (APR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.73-3.37), anemia (APR = 2.89; 95% CI 2.42-3.45), malnutrition (APR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.02-1.21), residence in the central zone (APR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.41-2.64), and residence in the northern zone (APR = 3.06; 95% CI 2.24-4.19).Conclusion Malaria remains highly prevalent among Mozambican children and is strongly associated with socioeconomic and household conditions. Bold, integrated, and equity-driven action that strengthens health systems, addresses social determinants, and protects the most vulnerable children are urgently required.
SN - 1475-2875
ER -