Prevalence and risk factors for Malaria parasitaemia in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in primary health centres in keffi, Nigeria.

Abstract

Malaria in pregnanacy is a disease of public health importance especially in the Tropical and also the subtropical parts of the world. Though malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, the largest burden of malaria in pregnancy is found in sub-Saharan Africa with their women in pregnancy having greater severe malaria infection with associated feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Early detection of malaria infection in pregnant through microscopy and prompt treatment is thus necessary to avert the detrimental results. 

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of malaria parasitaemia among pregnant women attending booking clinic in Primary Health Care Centres in Keffi, Nigeria. 

Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross sectional design carried out between March 1st, 2022 and May 31st, 2022 in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire, blood sample was taken for blood film microscopy and these were entered into the statistical package for social sciences (IBM SPSS) version 26 and analyzed.

Results: Four hundred and thirty six pregnant women (436) had complete data of which 333 of them (76.38%) tested positive for malaria parasitaemia. The mean malaria density was 681parasites/uL (2+ of parasite) with the age group 25-29yrs and second trimester having the highest malaria parasitaemia. Those who had no formal education had the lowest malaria parasitaemia. There was no statistical significance between age, gravidity, gestational age at booking, educational level, income and use of ITNs.  

Conclusion: Malaria in pregnancy is hyperendemic in Keffi, North Central Nigeria. Due to the severe nature of Malaria in pregnancy and the on towards effect to the mother, fetus and the neonate, there is the need for early booking of pregnant women to identify women who have the parasite, treat accordingly and prevent malaria as the pregnancy advances. Also continuous Health Education for women of child bearing age is needed.