Abstract:

Malaria is a major health problem affecting people in the tropics and sub-tropical regions of the world. This cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 100 venous blood samples were collected from pregnant women into EDTA tubes and examined using field stained thick and thin films for identification of malaria parasites. Demographic information such as age, trimester and insecticide treated nets usage was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. Chi-square test was used to determine the difference among the variables studied and P≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Out of the 100 blood samples examined, 27 were infected and had an overall prevalence of 27%. Women within the age bracket of 31-35 years had the highest prevalence rate 11(36.7%) while no infection was recorded in the 41-45 years age group 0(0.0%). Pregnant women in their first trimester had the highest infection prevalence of 13(35.1%) while those in their third trimester had the least prevalence 5(17.9%). In relation to ITNs usage, pregnant women who don’t normally sleep under ITNs had the highest infection prevalence 23(31.5%) while those that usually sleep under ITNS had the least prevalence rate 4(14.8%). It is pertinent to periodically check the malaria infection status of pregnant women attending antenatal services. Prophylactic treatment should be routinely administered to avoid pregnancy complications due to malaria infection.