Abstract
This study was targeted at assessing malaria prevalence, clinical symptoms and urine abnormalities associated with malaria in pregnancy. A cross-sectional study involving 250 pregnant women selected from five healthcare facilities in three local government areas of Abia state, was conducted. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires and patients’ blood and urine samples collected. Thick and thin blood films microscopy as well as malaria random kits were used to diagnose malaria. Medi-test combi 9 urine test strip was used to check urine abnormalities. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. An overall malaria prevalence of 56% (95% CI: 0.42-0.60) was observed. Of the five centres, the highest prevalence was reported at PHC III in Umuahia North LGA with prevalence at 72% (95% CI: 0.51-0.98), while the lowest was reported at PHC IV in Umuahia North LGA with a prevalence of 36% (95% CI: 0.21-0.49). Pregnant women who had headache (OR=3.316, p=0.009, 95% CI: 1.288-7. 400), catarrh (OR=3.972, p=0.032, 95% CI: 1.028-15.352) and fever (OR=9.459, p<0.001, 95% CI: 3.767-23.753) had higher odds of malaria infection, compared to those without headache, catarrh and fever. Malaria was largely recorded among the primigravids 71% (53/75), followed by the secundigravidae 61% (43/70) and the least, observed among the multigravidae 43% (45/105). High malaria prevalence was observed among subjects who did not use preventive measures (100%) with the least observed among subjects, using window nets (22%). Malaria among subjects in this study is significantly prevalent. Proteinuria, bilirubinuria, urobilinogenuria as well as amber and clear urine macroscopy showed significant associations with malaria in pregnancy; thus, women with these clinical features should be further tested for malaria even in asymptomatic states to prevent the negative consequences of malaria in pregnancy.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have