The Impact of Malaria on Various Stages in Pregnancy in Rivers State

Malaria parasitaemia has remained an issue of public health concern. The coexistence of malaria and pregnancy is more burdensome with high mortality and other devastating effects on maternal and child health. This cross-sectional study carried out was focused on the impact of malaria  among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in General Hospital, Bori and Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt.  Four hundred women were involved in this study of which two hundred each from a facility. Pregnant women with pyrexia of unknown origin, HIV and those on anti-malarial drugs were excluded. Simple random sampling technique was used. Primary and secondary data sources were used including the use of a self-structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables and items about gestation and pregnancy history. Statistical analysis involved the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics – Chi Square at 0.05 level of significance. Laboratory investigation was according to the recommended standard analytical method for malaria parasite examination.  Five milliliters (5mls) of blood was obtained from each subject by venepuncture into EDTA bottles. The samples were used to assay for malaria parasite determination using the Giemsa staining technique. Result revealed that pregnant women in the first trimester had the highest prevalence of malaria; BMSH (43.9%) and GHB (45.5%). Preventive safe practices are recommended including the use of insecticide treated nets, vector control methods and others. Diagnosis and treatment should be done timely especially in the first trimester.