Abstract
Background: Pregnant women are in danger from malaria infection during pregnancy, which is a serious public health issue. A key obstacle to eradicating malaria is the reservoir host for the parasite, and is also regarded as one of the main obstacles to eliminating malaria. This study assessed the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2020 to assess the prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria among 294 consenting pregnant women. Socio-demographic data, Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy with SP (IPTp-SP), and information on insecticide-treated nets use were collected using a structured questionnaire. SD BIOLINE Malaria rapid diagnostic test kits and Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy were used to diagnose Plasmodium infections. Anaemia status was determined using microhematocrit centrifugation. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. In all comparisons, p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection was 20.4% (60/294) and 23.5% (69/ 294) using microscopy and RDT, respectively. Among those infected, 76.7% were anaemic (p=0.001). Asymptomatic malaria was significantly associated with not using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN). Secundigravida women and being in third-trimester pregnancy were significant determinants of pregnancy-associated malaria. Conclusion: This study showed that malaria and anaemia are still prevalent among pregnant women in Southern Nigeria, and it is a significant concern for public health. Improved access to intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets should be encouraged to help further diminish the risk of malaria infection amongst pregnant women in the region.
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