Publication:

Prevalence and risk factors for placental malaria parasitemia in a tertiary hospital in north-central Nigeria

Background Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Placental malaria is recognized as a complication of malaria in pregnancy in endemic areas with adverse effects on pregnancy. Aim was to determine the prevalence and risk of placental malaria parasitaemia at delivery in Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study where 200 pregnant women in labour were enrolled consecutively by convenient sampling after obtaining informed consents. Maternal, cord and placental blood samples were taken for thick and thin blood film for malaria parasites after delivery. Data analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. Chi square test and regression analysis used for degree of association and independent risk factors for placental malaria determination. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results The prevalences of maternal peripheral blood parasitaemia was 18.5% (37/200), placenta parasitaemia was 17,5% (35/200) and cord blood malaria parasitaemia was 13.0% (27/200). The risk factors for placental malaria parasitaemia were non-use of intermittent preventive treatment (OR=0.408, p=0.000), non-use of insecticide treated nets (OR=0.043, p=0.000) and low level of education (OR= 0.012, p=0.000).

Conclusions The significant contributors to placental malaria parasitaemia are low level of education, non-use of intermittent preventive treatment and non-use of insecticide treated bed nets. Girl child education, use of insecticide treated nets which should be made available and free, and use of IPT as directly observed therapy should be adhered to.