Risk factors associated with occurrence of placental malaria in a population of parturients in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Background: Placental malaria has long been acknowledged as a complication of malaria in pregnancy, and has been associated with poor pregnancy outcome in malaria-endemic areas. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with occurrence of placental malaria in a population of parturients in Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria.

Materials and methods: Maternal and placenta blood samples were collected from 211 parturients. Blood films were prepared, stained with 10% Giemsa and microscopically analysed for the presence of parasites. Demographic characteristics were recorded in case record forms. Chi-square tests and a regression model were computed to analyse risks, using SPSS version 16.0.

Results: Overall, 40.8% (86 of 211) of the parturients had malaria at the time of delivery, with 19.0% (40 of 211) having placental malaria. We identified being within the age range of 18-22 years [OR = 4.4, 95% CL = 1.1-17.4, P = 0.046], being primigravid [OR = 2.1, 95% CL = 0.9-5.1, P = 0.028] and living in a congested apartment [OR = 1.6, 95% CL = 0.4-6.0, P = 0.029] as significant risk factors for placental malaria. Non-usage of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) [OR = 2.6, 95% CL = 1.2-5.4, P = 0.018], long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) [OR = 2.7, 95% CL = 1.3-5.5, P = 0.005] were also risk factors for placental malaria.

Conclusions: In Abeokuta, the proper use of LLIN and IPT for pregnant women is essential to curb the scourge of malaria, associated risks and poor pregnancy outcomes.