Prevalence of Malaria Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi

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. The 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 of 5(17.9%). In relation to ITN’s usage, pregnant women who don’t normally sleep under ITNs had the highest infection prevalence 23(31.5%) while those who 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.