Background: Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment within 24 hours of fever onset is crucial for reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality in under five children. However, research on the prompt care-seeking behaviors and their determinants in this demographic is limited. This study examined the prevalence of prompt care-seeking behaviors among under five febrile children in Tanzania and the associated determinants. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS), including a nationally representative and weighted sample of 1,050 under-five children who experienced fever within two weeks prior to the survey. A weighted univariable and multivariable modified Poisson regression model with robust estimator was used to examine the association between prompt care seeking behaviors and explanatory variables, including child and caregivers’ factors. Results: The prevalence of prompt care seeking for febrile children was 43.2%. Caregivers of female children had 18% less prevalences of seeking prompt care (95% CI 0.68–0.98) compared to caregivers with their male children. Caregivers aged 25–34 and 35–49 years had 36% (95% CI 1.05–1.78) and 61% (95% CI 1.16–2.23) higher prevalences of seeking prompt care for their children respectively, compared to younger caregivers aged 15–24 years. Caregivers with at least primary education had 50% (95% CI 1.12–2.02) higher prevalences of seeking prompt care compared to those with no formal education. Additionally, an increase in one household member was associated with a 3% increase in the prevalence of seeking prompt malaria care (95% CI 1.01–1.05). Conclusion: In Tanzania, female children under five experience delays in care-seeking for malaria, whereas older and more educated caregivers are more likely to seek timely treatment for their children. To enhance health outcomes in this vulnerable group, targeted interventions should prioritize raising awareness among caregivers, particularly younger ones and prompting equitable care seeking to all children regardless of sex.

Climate change is a significant global challenge with major impacts on human health. It directly affects vector-borne diseases such as malaria by expanding vector ranges, boosting reproduction and biting rates, and shortening pathogen incubation periods. This study aimed to evaluate the association of temperature and precipitation with malaria transmission among children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We employed an analytical cross-sectional design to examine the relationship between temperature, precipitation, and malaria transmission among 15,009 children aged under five in six SSA countries: Burundi, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Historical climate data (temperature and precipitation) were retrieved from ERA-5 for the 12 months preceding the surveys. Weighted Modified Poisson regression model was used to assess the associations between climatic variables and malaria transmission. Malaria prevalence in the sample averaged 25.9%, with Nigeria (38.1%) and Burundi (38.0%) showing the highest rates. The results indicate that a one-degree Celsius rise in temperature increased malaria risk by 1.77-fold (95% CI: 1.297–2.414, p < 0.001), while a one-unit rise in squared temperature reduced risk by 1% (95% CI: 0.984–0.997, p = 0.002). Children living in regions with annual precipitation between 250–500 mm faced a 72% higher risk of malaria than those in areas receiving over 500 mm (95% CI: 1.331–2.212, p < 0.001), highlighting the nonlinear influence of climate on malaria transmission among vulnerable populations. In conclusion, the findings suggest a significant link between precipitation, temperature and increased malaria transmission in SSA. This underscores the importance of incorporating climate data into malaria control strategies to mitigate transmission risks among vulnerable populations.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and its associated factors among primary school children (PSC) in the Rufiji district. A quantitative school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 PSC in the Rufiji district. The prevalence of scabies among PSC was determined by clinical examination and by microscopic examination of skin samples for the presence of S. scabiei. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on factors associated with S. scabiei infestation. Descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The prevalence of scabies was 2.0%. Of the assessed factors, only physical contact with a person having itchy skin lesions (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=4.04, 95%CI 4.39-12.50) and infrequency of changing clothes before laundry (AOR=2.99, 95%CI 1.35-4.94) were significantly associated with scabies. The majority of participants demonstrated low levels of knowledge, with half exhibiting poor attitudes and inappropriate healthcare–seeking behaviors. There was an ongoing transmission of scabies among PSC in the Rufiji district, with the factors associated with the transmission being physical contact with a person who had an itchy skin lesion and the infrequency of changing clothes before laundry. Therefore, there is a need for regular clinical screening and treatment of positive cases with preventive measures on contact and provision of health education.

Background: In Tanzania, only 34% of pregnant women come for antenatal care (ANC) in first trimester hence miss an opportunity to be checked and get health advice from the health care workers. However, there is scanty of studies which used national representative data to determine the socio-demographic correlates of problem among pregnant women in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at filling the gap. Methods: This study analysed secondary data involving a weighted sample size of 4,243 pregnant women aged 15–49 years from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). The analysis adapted a two-level multilevel weighted modified Poisson regression model using Stata 18 software. The dependent variable, “ANC in the first trimester of pregnancy” defined as the binary outcome variable. The independent variables included maternal factors and household factors. Results: The two-level multilevel modified Poisson regression indicated that one year increase in age of a mother at first birth results to 2% increase in prevalence of attending ANC in the first trimester ( p -value = 0.019). Those in the richest wealth status had 31% higher prevalence of attending ANC in the first trimester compared to counterparts in poorest wealth status ( p -value = 0.011). Those with first pregnancy had 23% higher prevalence of attending ANC in the first trimester compared to those with 24–48 months preceding birth interval ( p -value = 0.005). Those with more than 48 months preceding birth interval had 28% higher prevalence of attending ANC in the first trimester compared to counterparts who had 24–48 months preceding birth interval ( p -value <0.001). Those living in a household with more than 6 members had 32% less prevalence of attending ANC in the first trimester compared to those living in household with 1–4 members ( p -value <0.001). Study participants who reported large walking distance to health facility in their residing communities indicated 24% less prevalence of attending ANC in the first trimester ( p -value = 0.007). Conclusion: ANC attendance in the first trimester of pregnancy was significantly associated with wealth index, household size, preceding birth interval, age at first birth and distance to health facility. Programs aiming at increasing early ANC booking should prioritize activities that improve women's livelihoods, particularly those targeting lower socioeconomic and educational groups.

In Tanzania, loss to follow-up (LTFU) among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYLHIV) presents a significant challenge. A retrospective cohort study analysing data found that approximately 42% of adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were LTFU between 2014 to 2016. This study examined the predictors of LTFU among AYLHIV in Dar es Salaam during their first year of ART treatment. This retrospective cohort study utilized routine data collected in care and treatment centres among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years living with HIV in Dar es Salaam who were enrolled in HIV care from 2015–2019. The data were analysed using STATA 14. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and proportions. Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine failure probabilities within one year of ART initiation. The Fine and Gray test was conducted to report adjusted sub-hazard ratios (aSHRs) and cumulative incidence estimates for LTFU within one year of ART initiation, accounting for mortality as a competing risk. A total of 15,874 AYLHIVs enrolled in Care and Treatment Clinics between 2015 and 2019 were studied. The majority (10,913, 68.7%) were young adults, and 13,160 (84.4%) were female. The percentage of LTFUs within one year of ART initiation was 15%. The significant predictors of LTFU were age 20–24 years, having a CD4 cell count between 350 and 499, receiving care in healthcare facilities located in the Ubungo district and being enrolled in care between 2018 and 2019. Receiving care at private healthcare facilities, having a tuberculosis co-infection, and being classified as WHO Stage III were all associated with a reduced risk of LTFU in ART care. This study found that adolescents and young people in Tanzania experience 15% rates of LTFU in ART care, within one year of ART initiation. Therefore, HIV service providers need to pay particular attention to the AYLHIV and factors that influence LTFU in ART care. The increasing incidence of LTFU necessitates the implementation of effective and friendly tracing interventions to identify AYLHIV patients who have become LTFU to re-engage them in care.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are leading causes of disability and productivity loss globally, yet registry-based evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains limited. The study analyzed compensated work-related MSDs claims reported to the Workers’ Compensation Fund (WCF) in Tanzania between 2016 and 2022 to identify patterns and associated risk factors. A registry-based cross-sectional design was conducted using de-identified WCF data on demographics, occupation, industry, diagnosis, and recorded workplace exposures. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate associations between work-related MSDs and risk factors. Among the 243 workers with work-related MSDs whose claims were accepted and compensated, 84% had low back pain (LBP), predominantly males (90%) and middle-aged workers (mean age 41.6 years). Mining and quarrying accounted for 50% of the cases, with drivers and mobile plant operators being the most affected. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure and work in mining and quarrying were significant predictors of LBP (adjusted PR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.061.49 and PR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01–1.44, respectively). These findings highlight WBV and mining work as significant risk factors of work-related MSDs and underscore the need for targeted interventions alongside enhanced health surveillance systems for exposure documentation.