Prevalence of malaria and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in health institutions of Damot Woyide district, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Malaria during pregnancy is a cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and their fetuses eventually the newborns and infants. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of malaria among pregnant women that attend antenatal clinics in health institutions found in Damote Woyide district. A health institution based cross-sectional study was conducted. Socio-demographic data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire and Giemsa stained blood smear samples were examined using microscope. Data were coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The overall prevalence of malaria was 8.2% and the prominent species was Plasmodium falciparum (5.4%). Individuals in the third trimester were more infected (5.0%) than those in second (2.4%) and first (1%). Multigravidae (AOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.001-0.07), using ITN always (AOR: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.03-0.31), using Indoor IRS in the last twelve months (AOR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0. 01-0.05) and family size 1-3 (AOR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.01-0.90) were identified as protective factors of malaria among pregnant women. The overall prevalence of malaria in the pregnant women requires special attention, so efforts should be made to minimize the problem by promoting frequent visiting of antenatal clinics and supplying bed nets. Key words: Plasmodium species, pregnant women, antenatal care, malaria in pregnancy.