Plasmodium falciparum Malaria among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic, Kura General Hospital Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa and has significant consequences on birth outcome. This research work was carried out between February and August, 2024 in Ante- Natal clinic, Kura General Hospital Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 406 blood samples were collected from the pregnant women. Malaria parasites were examined microscopically on thick and thin blood smear stained with Giemsa stain, personal data were collected orally and from file records and were analyzed using Chi-square test. The results showed that of 406 pregnant women sampled, 219 (53.9%) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum. The highest prevalence of P. falciparum (79.8%) was observed in ages 15-20 pregnant women while the lowest prevalence of (21.6%) was found in ages 41-45. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in between the various age groups (P<0.05). Multigravidae pregnant women recorded higher prevalence of (54.7%) while (52.5%) prevalence was observed in primigravidae. Women in the second trimester were more infected with P. falciparum (43.8%) than those in first trimester (26.5%) and third trimester (29.7%) and this was not significant (P>0.05). Malaria infection showed a high level of endemicity in the study area, hence, there is need for prompt treatment offered to pregnant women, encourage the use of insecticide -treated bed nets and to incorporate the laboratory components into the RBM strategy by enhancing parasite diagnosis at all levels of health care.

Keywords: Kura; Gravidity; Pregnant women; Plasmodium falciparum