Relationship between Micronutrient Intake and Malaria Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of malaria infection is influenced by several factors, including micronutrient intake. Micronutrient intake is essential for maintaining normal nutritional status and maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin A, zinc, and iron are micronutrients that function to boost the immune system. This study aims analyze the relationship between micronutrient intake and the incidence of malaria infection at the Paguat Community Health Center.

Method: This study used a cross-sectional study method with an analytical observational approach. The population in this study consisted of 37 people obtained from the medical records of the Paguat Community Health Center for the period January-July 2025, using total sampling techniques. The study used primary data in the form of questionnaires and 3x24-hour food recall interviews. The 3x24-hour food recall method was calculated using the Nutrisurvey application to determine the nutritional content of each food item. Data analysis was performed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods.

Results: Bivariate analysis showed that micronutrient intake such as vitamin A (P-value = 0.680) and iron (P-value = 0.080) had no significant association with malaria infection. Meanwhile, zinc micronutrient intake (P-value = 0.030) had a significant association with malaria infection. Based on multivariate analysis, P-value of 0.025 (P < 0.05) was obtained, with a confidence interval (95% CI: 0.035–0.798). Zinc micronutrient intake has a significant effect on the incidence of malaria infection.

Conclusion: The analysis shows no statistically significant relationship between vitamin A and iron intake with malaria infection. Zinc intake is statistically significantly associated with malaria infection.

Keywords: Anopheles sp., malaria, nutritional status, Plasmodium sp.