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MALARIA PARASITAEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN ORUMBA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Malaria infection particularly during pregnancy is a major public health concern in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine malaria parasitaemia among pregnant women in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State from August 2022 to July 2023. Blood samples were collected for thick and thin films blood smear for microscopy. A total of 308 pregnant women participated in the study. Of the total number, 79(25.6%) were positive for malaria parasite. The highest prevalence 22(7.1%) was recorded in Ufuma, while the least 5(1.6%) was recorded in Awa. There was significant difference in malaria prevalence across communities (P<0.05). The highest malaria parasite prevalence 28(9.1%) was recorded in age group 20-24years while the least 5(1.6%) was recorded in age group 40-44years. There was no significant difference in malaria prevalence across age groups (P>0.05). The highest prevalence was recorded among the traders 61(19.8%) while the least was recorded among students 1(0.3%). There was significant difference in malaria prevalence across occupation (P<0.05). The highest malaria parasites prevalence was recorded among those whose educational level was secondary education 57(18.5%) while the least was recorded among those with no formal education. The highest malaria prevalence was observed among those in first trimester 65(21.1%) while the least prevalence was in third trimester 2(0.6%). The primigravidae had the highest malaria prevalence 73(23.7%) while the multigravidae had the least 6(1.9%). The highest malaria prevalence among them was observed during the rainy season 76(24.6) while the least was observed during the dry season 3(1.0%). Of the total 79 study participants who were positive for malaria parasite, 68(86.1%) had mild malaria parasite intensity while 11(13.9%) had moderate infection. The highest number of mild infections 24(35.3%) was observed in age group 18-24years while the least 5(7.4%) was in age group 40-44years. The highest number of mild infections 56(82.4%) was observed among the first trimester group, while the least 2(2.9%) was among the third trimester group. This study revealed that malaria parasite was prevalent among the pregnant women in the study area. Prevalence varied in age, occupation, education, trimester, gravidity and in seasons of the year.

KEYWORDS: Malaria, Parasitaemia, Pregnancy, Trimester, Gravidity.