Prevalence of Malaria Infection across Trimesters of Pregnancy and Number of Births in Pregnant Women in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the Prevalence of Malaria Infection across Trimesters and Number of Births in Pregnant Women in South-South, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria parasitemia across trimesters and number of pregnancies. A descriptive design study with 100 pregnant women participants Sample size was calculated using the Fischer’s formula. The demographic data: age, trimester of the pregnancy and the number of pregnancies were collected with laboratory request form for microscopy of the participants’ blood sample. Venous blood samples were collected into EDTA sample bottles and taken to a central laboratory for blood microscopy test to determine the presence of malaria parasite. Descriptive and inferential statistics, supported with SPSS Version 22 were done. Findings revealed that the presence of malaria parasitaemia was more common in the second trimester 28(45.9%), and in multigravida 43(70.5 %.). The study concluded that there is no significant relationship between trimester of pregnancy and number of pregnancies with malaria infection among pregnant women (P = 0.05). Based on the study findings, it was recommended that more studies should be carried out in HIV positive pregnant (since their immunity is lower). It was also recommended that some studies on malaria parasitaemia in pregnant women should be carried out during wet season June to July when the rainfall is highest in the same study area to determine if the prevalence could be attributed to the excess rainfall and wet weather condition in the region.