Factors Associated with Malaria Relapse among Patients in the Halilulik Community Health Center Catchment Area, Belu Regency, Indonesia

Abstrak

Malaria remains a major global public health concern, particularly in tropical regions. Indonesia is among the malaria-endemic countries, recording approximately 443,530 cases, with around 89% of confirmed infections originating from Papua Province. This high burden is influenced by environmental conditions that support mosquito breeding, as well as the ability of the parasite to remain dormant in the body when treatment is incomplete or improperly followed, leading to malaria recurrence. This study aimed to identify factors associated with malaria relapse among patients in the working area of Halilulik Community Health Center, Belu Regency. An analytic study with a cross-sectional approach was employed, and data were collected through questionnaires. A total of 27 respondents who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study using a total sampling technique. Data were collected through structured epidemiological investigation forms and analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test where appropriate. Accidental sampling technique. Data from epidemiological investigation forms were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test. The findings showed that age (p = 0.413), occupation (p = 0.224), and nutritional status (p = 0.131) were not significantly associated with malaria relapse. In contrast, gender was found to have a significant relationship with relapse (p = 0.049). Furthermore, education level (p = 0.000) and medication adherence (p = 0.001) were identified as significant factors related to malaria recurrence. Education appeared to play a dominant role, as it influences understanding of disease management, which may contribute to parasite dormancy in the body, repeated relapse episodes, and potential drug resistance when treatment is not properly followed. In conclusion, gender, education level, and medication adherence showed significant associations with malaria recurrence among patients in the working area of Halilulik Community Health Center.