Urinalysis, Malaria Random Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Symptoms in the Prediction of Malaria Parasitaemia among Pregnant Women in Umuahia and Ikwuano, Abia State, Nigeria

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.