Habits to Leave the House at Night

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 17 views

Risk Factors for Malaria Infections in Children in Malaria Endemic Areas in Kualuh Leidong Labuhan Batu Utara

Introduction

Malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through anopheles mosquito bites, remains a significant threat to public health, particularly in endemic areas such as Kualuh Leidong, Labuhan Batu Utara. Children are particularly vulnerable to malaria infections, which can be fatal if left untreated. Research conducted in the region has identified several risk factors that contribute to the high incidence of malaria infections in children.

Background

Malaria is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, including Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria is responsible for over 400,000 deaths annually, with the majority of cases occurring in Africa. However, Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, is also a significant region for malaria transmission. In Indonesia, malaria is a major public health problem, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

Methodology

This study used a case-control method involving 53 children in each group, case groups (children infected with malaria) and control groups (children who are not infected with malaria). Data was collected through a questionnaire for 6 months. The results showed several significant risk factors, such as the habit of exiting the house at night, not using repellent and mosquito net, not installing wire gauze on ventilation, as well as the use of house walls from tepas.

Risk Factors for Malaria Infections in Children

Habits to Leave the House at Night

Children who often leave the house at night are more at risk of exposure to anopheles mosquito bites that are active at night. This is because their activities outside the home allow mosquitoes to more easily access and bite them. Anopheles mosquitoes are most active at night, and their bites can transmit malaria parasites to humans. Children who leave the house at night are more likely to be bitten by these mosquitoes, increasing their risk of malaria infections.

Not Using Repellent and Mosquito Net

The use of repellent and mosquito net is an effective way to prevent anopheles mosquito bites. Repellant contains chemicals that can repel mosquitoes, while mosquito nets function as a physical barrier between children and mosquitoes. This study shows that children who do not use repellent and mosquito net have a higher risk of malaria infections. Mosquito nets are particularly effective in preventing malaria transmission, as they can prevent mosquitoes from biting children while they sleep.

Not Installing Gauze Wire on Ventilation

The gauze in the ventilation of the house serves to prevent the entry of anopheles mosquitoes into the house. Children who live in homes without wire gauze in ventilation are more at risk of exposure to mosquito bites, thereby increasing the risk of malaria infections. Anopheles mosquitoes can easily enter homes through ventilation, and their bites can transmit malaria parasites to humans.

Use of House Walls from Tepas

The walls of the house from tepas are porous material and easily penetrated by mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes can easily enter and hide in the house, thereby increasing the risk of being bitten and infected with malaria. Children who live in homes with walls made from tepas are more at risk of malaria infections, as these materials provide a conducive environment for mosquito breeding.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that risk factors associated with behavior and the environment have a significant influence on the incidence of malaria infections in children. Therefore, education to the community, especially parents, regarding the importance of avoiding the habit of leaving the house at night, using repellent and mosquito net, installing wire gauze on ventilation, and choosing building materials that are more effective in preventing mosquitoes from becoming very important.

Recommendations

In addition to education, the availability of facilities such as a long-lasting mosquito net (KTL) which is easily accessible to the community also plays an important role in malaria control efforts. KTL is effective in killing mosquitoes that perch on it, thereby reducing the risk of malaria transmission. Efforts to prevent and control malaria in children need to be carried out comprehensively by involving various parties, ranging from health workers, the government, and the community. By increasing awareness and application of clean and healthy living behavior, it is hoped that the incidence of malaria infections in children can be reduced and created a safer and healthier environment for children in malaria endemic areas.

Future Directions

Future studies should focus on developing effective interventions to prevent and control malaria in children. This can include the development of new mosquito nets, repellents, and other control measures. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of community-based interventions, such as education and outreach programs, in reducing the incidence of malaria infections in children.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single region. Therefore, the findings may not be generalizable to other regions or populations. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias and error. Finally, the study did not investigate the effectiveness of existing control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing risk factors for malaria infections in children in malaria endemic areas. The findings of this study suggest that behavior and environmental factors, such as the habit of leaving the house at night, not using repellent and mosquito net, not installing wire gauze on ventilation, and the use of house walls from tepas, are significant risk factors for malaria infections in children. Therefore, education and community-based interventions are essential in reducing the incidence of malaria infections in children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malaria Infections in Children in Malaria Endemic Areas

Q: What is malaria and how is it transmitted?

A: Malaria is a disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites are injected into the bloodstream when an infected mosquito bites a person, and they can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.

Q: What are the risk factors for malaria infections in children?

A: The risk factors for malaria infections in children include:

Habits to leave the house at night
Not using repellent and mosquito net
Not installing wire gauze on ventilation
Use of house walls from tepas
Other environmental and behavioral factors

Q: What can parents do to prevent malaria infections in their children?

A: Parents can take several steps to prevent malaria infections in their children, including:

Ensuring that their children use repellent and mosquito net when sleeping or outdoors
Installing wire gauze on ventilation to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home
Choosing building materials that are less conducive to mosquito breeding
Educating their children about the importance of avoiding mosquito bites
Ensuring that their children receive regular malaria testing and treatment if necessary

Q: What are the symptoms of malaria in children?

A: The symptoms of malaria in children can include:

Fever
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Seizures (in severe cases)

Q: How is malaria diagnosed in children?

A: Malaria is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and physical examination. Laboratory tests may include:

Blood smear to detect the presence of malaria parasites
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to detect the presence of malaria antigens
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of malaria DNA

Q: What is the treatment for malaria in children?

A: The treatment for malaria in children typically involves the use of antimalarial medications, such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). The specific treatment will depend on the severity of the infection, the age and weight of the child, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions.

Q: Can malaria be prevented in children?

A: Yes, malaria can be prevented in children through a combination of measures, including:

Using repellent and mosquito net
Installing wire gauze on ventilation
Choosing building materials that are less conducive to mosquito breeding
Ensuring that children receive regular malaria testing and treatment if necessary
Educating children about the importance of avoiding mosquito bites

Q: What is the role of the community in preventing malaria in children?

A: The community plays a critical role in preventing malaria in children through:

Educating children and parents about the importance of avoiding mosquito bites
Providing access to malaria testing and treatment
Supporting the use of mosquito nets and repellents
Encouraging the use of wire gauze on ventilation
Promoting the use of building materials that are less conducive to mosquito breeding

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in preventing malaria in children?

A: Healthcare providers play a critical role in preventing malaria in children through:

Providing regular malaria testing and treatment
Educating parents and children about the importance of avoiding mosquito bites
Supporting the use of mosquito nets and repellents
Encouraging the use of wire gauze on ventilation
Promoting the use of building materials that are less conducive to mosquito breeding

Q: What is the future direction for malaria prevention in children?

A: The future direction for malaria prevention in children will involve:

Developing new and more effective interventions to prevent and control malaria
Improving access to malaria testing and treatment
Increasing awareness and education about the importance of avoiding mosquito bites
Supporting the use of mosquito nets and repellents
Encouraging the use of wire gauze on ventilation
Promoting the use of building materials that are less conducive to mosquito breeding.