• Angelique Mugorewera
• Dr. Amanuel Kidane Andegiogish (PhD)

Abstract Malaria continues to be a serious global public health burden especially in sub-Saharan Africa where Children under the age of 5 and pregnant women were the most affected. This study aimed to determine factors associated with malaria infections among children under 5 years in Rwanda using the 2019/2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey data. It was a cross-sectional study using data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) collected from November 9, 2019 to July 20, 2020. The findings of this study will inform efforts to prevent malaria infections among under 5 years of age. Using STATA 17, data were analyzed at univariable, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression levels to answer current research questions. Of the 3,708 children with full malaria information, about 2.7% were diagnosed with malaria or treated for the infection in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey. On one hand, sociodemographic factors that predicted malaria infections among children under 5 years include living in houses with earth, dung, or bricks without cement as the main floor material [aOR:2.9 with 95% C.I:1.2-7.0], having no health insurance [aOR: 1.5 with 95% C.I:1.0-2.4], and having a mother with no education [aOR: 2.5 with 95% C.I: 1.0-6.1]. On the other hand, ITN-related factors include having one or zero ITN [aOR:1.9 with 95% C.I: 1.2-3.0], and sleeping under ITN [aOR:1.7 with 95% C.I: 1.1-2.7]. Based on these findings, interventions aiming to combat malaria infections among children under 5 years should focus on empowering households to cement the floors of houses, which improves hygiene and reduces mosquitoes within houses, promoting education for women, and fostering better attitudes towards healthcare-seeking and having health insurance. Moreover, the distribution and promotion of ITN use should be done regularly, with a particular focus on households with children under 5 years.

ey words: Children under 5 years, malaria, Insecticide treated nets

"Factors Associated with Malaria Infections among Children Under 5 Years in Rwanda Using 2019/2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey Data", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.f1-f16, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511523.pdf

"Factors Associated with Malaria Infections among Children Under 5 Years in Rwanda Using 2019/2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey Data", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppf1-f16, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511523.pdf