OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the burden and risk factors for asymptomatic malaria among school-aged children in the Kibiti district, Coastal region of Tanzania.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A school-based cross-section study involving 316 school-aged children was conducted from June to July 2021 in the Kibiti district. The venous blood samples were drawn for asymptomatic malaria diagnosis by rapid diagnostic test (CareStart™ Malaria Pf (HRP2) Ag RDT) and microscopy. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather the risk factors for asymptomatic malaria in study participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the individual variables and Chisquare was used to test the association.

RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria by rapid diagnostic test and microscopy was 20.3% (95% CI 15.8-25.3) and 17.7% (95% CI 13.6-23.7), respectively. Of the assessed risk factors, there was a statistically significant association between the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and no history of malaria suffering within that year (p=0.028) and behavior of staying outdoors at night (p=0.019). A low level of knowledge (25.6%) was observed among study participants, coupled with negative attitudes (33.2%) and inappropriate practices (36.1%) towards asymptomatic malaria and its prevention.

CONCLUSIONS: The observed prevalence of 20.3% (rapid diagnostic test) and 17.7% (microscopy) indicated ongoing transmission of asymptomatic malaria among school-aged children. Hence, there is the need for regular screening and continuing providing health education.