Journals
Online ISSN: 2521-0246 | Print ISSN: 2523-0573
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Volume 2 Number 4 April 2018
Prevalence of Malaria Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Faith Alive Foundation, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Pages: 19-26Authors: Yakubu, D. P, Kamji, N. B, Dawet, A.
Abstract
Malaria remains the most devastating infectious parasitic disease responsible for maternal and childhood deaths, particularly in most African countries. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Faith Alive Foundation, Jos North Local Government Area Plateau State Nigeria. One hundred and thirty (130) pregnant women were examined for malaria infection using Rapid Diagnostic Kits and thick/thin blood smear. The overall prevalence of 59 (45.38 %) was recorded in this study. Age group 21 – 25 years had the highest prevalence of 23(54.76%) thick/thin and 11(26.19%) for RDT, while the lowest prevalence of 33.33% occurred in age group 31-35 and above 40 years However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in infection rate between the different age groups. Prevalence according to the genotype shows that women with genotype AS had the highest infection of 25(58.14 %) for microscopy and 9(29.03 %) using RDT. In relation to the trimester, women in the second trimester had the highest infection rate of 58.06 %.With parity; multigravidae mothers (fourth gravid above) had the highest infection (80.0 %). Based on the use of Long – lasting Insecticides Nets(LLINs)/ Insecticides treated Nets(INTs), women that did not use nets recorded significantly (p<0.05) highest infection of 55.26 %. The morbidity and mortality of malaria infection among pregnant women could be reduced through regular prophylaxis, proper sanitation, and regular use of Long – Lasting Insecticides Treated Nets (ITNS).
