Malaria Parasitaemia Among Pregnant Women in Akure South Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Malaria infection during pregnancy is a significant public health problem with substantial risks for the pregnant woman, her foetus, and the newborn child. Malaria complicates up to 58.1% of pregnancies in Nigeria. Its pathogenesis and clinical consequences further complicate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly in endemic regions. This study aimed to determine malaria parasitaemia among pregnant women in Akure South Local Government, Akure, Ondo State. A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the University of Medical Science Hospital, Mother and Child Hospital, Sijuwade Specialist Hospital and Fatunla Hospital all in Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Akure (OSHREC). A total number of 509 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the four health centres in the study area were enrolled for the study. Blood samples were obtained from each of the pregnant women via venipuncture. Venous blood samples collected were transfered into Ethylene Diamine Tetra-Acetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant bottles. Blood samples were examined for malaria parasite using thin and thick blood film microscopy method. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. Chi-square (χ²) to analyse the data generated at P<0.05 significance level. Result showed that out of 509 pregnant women sampled, 351 pregnant women tested positive for malaria infection, resulting in prevalence rate of 69.0%.The 351 infected pregnant women were further examined to check the level of parasitaemia (intensity).The intensity was classified into Low˂1,000 Parasites/µƖ (%), Moderate 1,000 – 9,999 parasites/ µƖ (percentage) and Severe ≥ 10,000 parasites/ µƖ (%). This study identified a high prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among pregnant women with demographic factors such as age, marital status, trimester, and parity of the pregnant women. The study reveals a concerning prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women in Akure South LGA

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WSN 200 (2025) 132-140

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