Placental Malaria, Prevalence and Associated Factors in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Introduction: Placental malaria is a secondary condition to malaria during pregnancy and a source of perinatal complications in endemic areas. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of placental malaria and associated factors among women giving birth in the town of Mbujimayi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from August 15, 2023 to March 14, 2024 in Mbujimayi. Data were collected on parturients through a combination of interviews, medical records and laboratory analysis. Placental malaria was diagnosed on the basis of histological examination of placental biopsies taken after delivery. Statistical logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with placental malaria. Results: The average age of parturients was 28.9 years, and 68% were multiparous. Of 178 placentas examined, 86.5% were malaria-infected, including 24.7% with acute infection, 46.1% with chronic active infection and 15.7% with chronic past infection. Illiteracy and less ANC were determining factors (OR 3.22 [1.09 - 82.6] p=0.027 and OR 31.7 [1.5 - 126] p= 0.034); fever and malaria during pregnancy were associated with placental malaria (OR 91.4 [8.33 - 306] p=0.002) and (OR 124 [4.99 - 1645] p=0.016). On univariate analysis, lack of IPT multiplied the risk of placental malaria by 5 (OR 5.25 [2.07 - 15.2] p<0.001). Conclusion: Pregnant women's level of education and antenatal care are predictive factors of placental malaria in Mbujimayi, preventive measures and early management of malaria during pregnancy deserve attention.