Ifeanyi O. Oshim , Simon O. Azi, Ugonna C. Aniokete , Simon I. Okekpa, Evelyn U. Urama, Henshaw U. Okoroiwu, Promise U. Mbah , Lazarus A. Okoye ,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (7-2026)
Abstract
Background: Evaluating the prevalence of malaria and its risk factors during pregnancy across various transmission contexts is necessary.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a health facility in April and May, 2024. A convenience sampling technique was used to enroll 120 pregnant women attending antenatal care at a health center in South-South, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to gather clinical and sociodemographic data. Blood smears were prepared using a standard technique. Factors associated with malaria were evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among symptomatic pregnant women, the prevalence of malaria was 83.3% (100/120). The following factors were significantly associated with the prevalence of malaria in pregnant women with malaria symptoms: not being on antimalarial treatment for 1-5 months (p<0.001), having a higher degree (p<0.018), being primigravidae (p<0.001), being in the first trimester (p= 0.081), and being between 26 and 30 years old (p= 0.001).
Conclusion: Malaria remains a major public health concern among pregnant women, even though the rate of intervention with antimalarial drugs has increased in this region. Pregnant women who are at risk for these conditions should therefore receive additional care.
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