Prevalence of Malaria and the Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Health Institutions of Damot Woyide District, Wolaita Zone, South Nation Nationalities People Region, Ethiopia, (A Cross-sectional Study)

Abstract

Malaria during pregnancy is a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia. The infection is a cause of morbidly 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 ANC clinic in health institutions found in Damote Woyide district, Southern Ethiopia. A health institution based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May, 2016. 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 month (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. Due to high risk of malaria during pregnancy, women in pregnancy should be screened for malaria in antenatal clinic and punctually treated. Moreover, the proper use of ITNs is essential to limit the risk of malaria. Keyword: Plasmodium species, pregnant women, prevalence, socio-demography Cite this Article Tesfaye Tilla, Solomon Sorsa, Solomon Asnake. Prevalence of malaria and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in health institutions of Damot Woyide district, Wolaita Zone, South Nation Nationalities People Region, Ethiopia, (A cross-sectional study). Research & Reviews: A Journal of Biotechnology. 2018; 8(3): 7–15p.