Risk factors associated with occurrence of placental malaria in a population of parturients in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Placental malaria has long been acknowledged as a complication of malaria in pregnancy, and has been associated with poor pregnancy outcome in malaria-endemic areas. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with occurrence of placental malaria in a population of parturients in Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria. Maternal and placenta blood samples were collected from 211 parturients. Blood films were prepared, stained with 10% Giemsa and microscopically analysed for the presence of parasites. Demographic characteristics were recorded in case record forms. Chi-square tests and a regression model were computed to analyse risks, using SPSS version 16.0. Overall, 40.8% (86 of 211) of the parturients had malaria at the time of delivery, with 19.0% (40 of 211) having placental malaria. We identified being within the age range of 18-22 years [OR = 4.4, 95% CL = 1.1-17.4, P = 0.046], being primigravid [OR = 2.1, 95% CL = 0.9-5.1, P = 0.028] and living in a congested apartment [OR = 1.6, 95% CL = 0.4-6.0, P = 0.029] as significant risk factors for placental malaria. Non-usage of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) [OR = 2.6, 95% CL = 1.2-5.4, P = 0.018], long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) [OR = 2.7, 95% CL = 1.3-5.5, P = 0.005] were also risk factors for placental malaria. In Abeokuta, the proper use of LLIN and IPT for pregnant women is essential to curb the scourge of malaria, associated risks and poor pregnancy outcomes.