LAUSR

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and treatment of malaria should take place within 24 h of the onset of symptoms. However, delay in malaria diagnosis and treatment is a major problem in Ethiopia. A paucity of information on the magnitude and associated factors is aggravating the problem.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the delay in malaria diagnosis and treatment and respective determinants in rural communities of Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia, to generate information to improve diagnosis and treatment.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 14 February to 21 April 2017. A structured questionnaire was prepared in English by reviewing the literature and translated into the local language (Afan Oromo). To assure the quality of data, the questionnaire was pre-tested. Logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with delay. Then, all explanatory variables associated with the outcome variable in bivariate analysis were included in multivariable analysis.ResultsA total of 394 respondents were included in the study with 100% response rate. Of the participants, 241 (61%) did not seek diagnosis and treatment on time. Households located more than 5 km away from a health facility (AOR = 4.18; 2.82–6.22; p < 0.001) were more likely to experience delay in diagnosis and treatment. Those respondents who had knowledge about the prevention of malaria were less likely to experience delay. In addition, respondents who had no history of death from malaria among their family members were more likely to delay (AOR = 2.5; 1.27–5.05; p = 0.008). Alcohol users were more likely to be late seeking a diagnosis and treatment than those who did not drink alcohol (AOR = 5.55; 3.53–8.73; p < 0.001).ConclusionDistance from the health facility, history of death from malaria in the family and alcohol use were associated with delay. However, knowledge about malaria prevention and control was a protective factor. Therefore, service providers might focus on the identified factors for early diagnosis and treatment.