Downloads: 190
Research Paper | Medicine Science | Volume 8 Issue 7, July 2019 | Pages: 356 - 360 | Kenya
Malaria Burden and its Possible Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Iten County Referral Hospital, Elgeiyo-Marakwet County, Kenya
Abstract: Background Malaria in pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal and child morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly in high endemic areas and has remained a serious public health concern with substantial risks for the pregnant woman, her fetus, and the newborn child. Its morbidity rate is higher in antenatal mothers and about 5 % of the world’s population is infected with malaria of which 1 % are antenatal mothers (WHO, 2018). The diagnosis of malaria in a pregnant mother is often times difficult and this is due to its non-specific symptoms which resemble any other viral infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors for malaria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Iten County Referral Hospital in Elgeiyo Marakwet County. Methods A cross sectional facility based study was conducted from the month of June to August 2018 at Iten Referral Hospital. A total of 262 pregnant women were selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and possible risk factors. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) were included in the study after signing informed consent. For each participant, the social-demographic profile, malaria and obstetric histories were investigated through a questionnaire. Peripheral blood was collected and thick and thin blood smears were prepared to check Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia. Hemoglobin concentration was measured. The associations between age, parity, gestational age, schooling, number of ANC visits, use of IPTp-SP, use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and anemia with the occurrence of P. falciparum malaria infection during pregnancy were analyzed through logistic regression. Results During the period of study, 59 (22.5 %) out of 262 pregnant women were infected with P. falciparum. The hemoglobin concentration mean was 10.5 ± 1.7/dL and was significantly lower in pregnant women with malaria infection (9.8 g/dL ±1.6) than in those who had no malaria infection (10.6 g/dL ±1.7) (P
Keywords: Malaria, Prevalence, antenatal, pregnant, Plasmodium falciparum
How to Cite?: Jerotich S. Tecla, "Malaria Burden and its Possible Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Iten County Referral Hospital, Elgeiyo-Marakwet County, Kenya", Volume 8 Issue 7, July 2019, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 356-360, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=ART20199238, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/ART20199238