Assessment of the Prevalence of Malaria and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Jalingo and Takum Local Government, Taraba State, Nigeria

Malaria infections are co-endemic throughout most of the tropical and sub-Saharan Africa and present a major threat to public health. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria co-infection in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Jalingo and Takum Local government Areas, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in Jalingo and Takum Local Governments Areas between September, 2018 to December 2018. A total of five hundred and twenty (520) pregnant women were screened on antenatal day. Prepared thick films using Giemsa staining technique were examined microscopically for the presence of malaria parasites. A questionnaire was also prepared to collect demographic data and some risk factors. The prevalence of Malaria in Jalingo( 75.6%) and Takum (79.5% ). Malaria infection based on age distribution showed that age group 31-35 had the highest malaria infection (83.6%) while age group < 41 had the least malaria infection (56.5%). This result showed no significant difference between age distribution of malaria Infection based on educational status showed those without Formal Education had the highest prevalence (88.8%) and (19.4%) for Malaria. Occupational related prevalence showed that Traders had the highest prevalence of (86%) and (17.2%) for Malaria χ2= 10.346 (P.>0.5). pregnancy status also showed varied infection rates , those in their first trimester had the highest prevalence( 84.2%) for Malaria but there was no significant difference (P>0.5) between pregnancy status. There was also a significant difference in infection between blood group and Malaria, blood group Ohad the highest prevalence of (90.9%). Association between infection and some risk factors showed that malaria infection is significantly related to fleeting of room with insecticide (O. R= 1.285,), Receive blood transfussion. (O. R=1.645), presences of stagnant water (O. R= 1.170), Malaria control in pregnancy is necessary so as to reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy complications. The use of long lasting insecticide treated nets should be intensified. Keywords: Malaria infection, antenatal, pregnant women, Jalingo and Takum, Nigeria.