Malaria and Environmental Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women

ABSTRACTThis study assessed the relationship between status of malaria and environmental risk factors among pregnant women attending Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri Borno State. Malaria is defined as a vector-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus P. vivax and transmitted through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. The research adopted a cross-sectional study design to assess relationship between status of malaria and environmental risk factors among pregnant women attending Specialist, Borno State. The participants of the study included pregnant women attending the Ante-Natal Clinic in State Specialist Hospital making up the sample size of 380 women. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and information on potential risk factors for malaria infection from the pregnant women. Variables such as age, gravidity, trimester, educational status, and history of blood transfusion were included in the questionnaire. Approximately 5 ml of blood was collected from each pregnant woman, and thick blood films were prepared for microscopic examination. The presence of malaria parasites was detected and recorded, including species and infective stages. The result of this study revealed that approximately 49.3% of the sampled pregnant women were found to be infected with malaria parasites. The prevalence of malaria was highest among pregnant women aged 30-39 years, 93(57.8%) recorded the highest prevalence of P. falciparum infection, indicating a relationship between age and malaria susceptibility. In conclusion the study alarming prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in state specialist hospitals Maiduguri, Borno State. The study revealed that nearly half of the sampled pregnant women were infected with the malaria parasite. This prevalence rate is significantly higher than what has been reported in previous studies both within Nigeria and in other countries. The research also highlighted specific demographic factors such as age, educational status, gravidity, and trimester, which influence the likelihood of malaria infection among pregnant women. Furthermore, the study identified several environmental risk factors, including stagnant water, lack of mosquito control measures, poor sanitation, and proximity to open gutters, which contribute to the high prevalence of malaria in the region. It was recommended that the government and other stakeholders should Strengthen and expand malaria education and awareness programs in the community. By Focusing on informing pregnant women and their families about the symptoms of malaria, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking timely medical care. Government and non-governmental organizations should improve access to healthcare services, especially antimalarial treatment, for pregnant women in the state. Efforts should be made to ensure that all pregnant women have access to appropriate medical care and antenatal services, including early detection and treatment of malaria cases. Also, hospital management should integrate malaria prevention and management into routine antenatal care services and also provide education to healthcare professionals about the risks associated with malaria in pregnancy and the appropriate interventions. The communities should be Involved actively in malaria control efforts. Community engagement programs can raise awareness, promote the use of preventive measures, and garner community support for malaria control initiatives. Furthermore, hospitals should implement routine prenatal monitoring for malaria during antenatal visits. Early detection and appropriate management of malaria cases are vital in preventing severe complications in pregnant women and reducing the risk of adverse outcomes for both mothers and newborns.