Abstract
We evaluated the malaria burden in randomly selected pregnant women (PW) attending antenatal clinics in Abuja, Nigeria, to establish an association between pregnancies, malaria. Structured questionnaire was administered by the ante-natal nursing staff and a research assistant. In total, 1400 pregnant women were screened between April and Sep- tember 2004, and capillary blood samples were obtained and screened for malaria parasites in thin blood films and quanti- tative buffy coat analysis (QBC). In total, 1035 (73.9%) pregnant women were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; of which 578 (55.8%) were primigravidae; 299 (28.9%) second gravidae; and 158 (15.3%) were multigravidae, while 297 (28.7) were in their first trimester, 311 (30%) were in their second trimester, and 427 (41.3%) were in their third trimester. The highest prevalence of malaria parasite (31.6%) was found in those aged 26-30 years while the lowest prevalence (2.9%) occurred in those aged 41-46 years. Socio economically, prevalence of malaria parasite is highest in non- automobile owners 84.4%, 66% in those with monthly income less than $100, and those living in vegetable thatched houses had 46.0%, while the lowest incidence (15.6%) was found in automobile owners. Of the 760 pregnant women who sought malaria treatment only 278 (34.2%) seek intervention in hospitals, while 59.4% got treatment outside the hospital or were on self medication. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of malaria in the population evaluated, and there- fore underlines the need for urgent intervention through capacity building, implementation of intermittent preventive treat- ment (IPT), use of insecticides treated-nets (ITN) and effective case management of malaria illness. The delivery of these interventions through ante-natal clinics in Nigeria is highly critical and needs to be encouraged; strategies that encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics early and consistently need to be developed. It is also important to develop coherent and effective policies and tools to tackle malaria and poverty.
Highlights
An estimated 30 million women living in malariaendemic areas of Africa become pregnant each year
Several studies in endemic areas suggest that pregnant women have higher frequency of malaria, and are more likely to develop severe malaria when compared to their nonpregnant counterparts
All the 1,400 pregnant women approached willingly participated in the study. 1035 (73.9%) were positive for malaria caused by P. falciparum, and 78 (7.5%) were those aged 15-20 years
Summary
An estimated 30 million women living in malariaendemic areas of Africa become pregnant each year. Pregnant women are vulnerable to malaria because pregnancy reduces immunity to malaria; increases susceptibility to malaria infection, the risk of illness, severe anaemia, acute pulmonary edema, renal failure, puerperal sepsis, postpartum haemorrhage, and increases the risk of death. Malaria in pregnancy results in adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion, neonatal death, and low birth weight. Malaria is preventable, yet a major cause of maternal and newborn illness and death in Africa, resulting in about 10,000 maternal deaths and between 75,000 and 200,000 infant deaths each year [1]. Several studies in endemic areas suggest that pregnant women have higher frequency of malaria, and are more likely to develop severe malaria when compared to their nonpregnant counterparts.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
