Fever prevalence in relation to socio-economic factors: a case study of Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance System.

Fever remains a commonest symptom of malaria. This study was designed to investigate the fever prevalence and fever patterns in Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS).We conducted cross-sectional household survey from all population in HDSS site to enquire about fever and treatment behaviour in two weeks prior the survey. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess the factors associated with fever. A total of 63,706 people were interviewed and 3.3% reported having fever in the two weeks preceding the survey. The prevalence of fever was more common for under-five children at 6.5 % compared to 2.8% for the remaining population. Children less than five were more likely to be febrile than older children and adults (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.40; 95%CI 0.36-0.45). Fever prevalence was more common for females compared to males (aOR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.28). Larger households were observed to be a risk factor for fever in the study (aOR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.43-0.74). Socio- economic status, availability of improved drinking water and toilet were not significantly associated with fever. Fever prevalence was observed to be low in the study area. As an important indicator of malaria, it reflects an encouraging development in malaria control efforts.