PREVALENCE OF MALARIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING GENERAL HOSPITAL DUTSIN-MA KATSINA STATE

ABSTRACT Malaria is a continuing major public health problem in Nigeria, particularly in high-risk populations such as pregnant women. This study was intended to determine the prevalence and associated socio-demographic factors of malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in General Hospital Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. Cross-sectional study was conducted for a two-month duration with 120 pregnant women giving informed consent. Blood was drawn and processed for microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to establish malaria infection. There was a high prevalence of malaria of 74.2% (89/120) among the participants. Analysis of socio-demographic variables showed significant association of malaria prevalence with age, marital status, education level, and occupation. The peak prevalence was registered among women of 20–25 years old (80%), and then 26–30 (76%), 31–35 (75%), 36–40 (66.7%), and 41–45 (50%) years old. Most malaria-positive cases were among married women (81.1%), followed by widowed (75%) and divorced women (42.1%). Among single participants, no positive case was registered. With regard to educational level, the majority of infected women were at the secondary level (94%), followed by primary (51.4%) and tertiary (44.4%). Occupation-wise, the highest prevalence of malaria was observed among the "others" category (82.5%), followed by students (82.4%), employed (81.3%), and unemployed (61.7%). In the course of data analysis, the correct statistical tests were utilized to determine the significance of relationships, with a p-value of < 0.05 deemed statistically significant. Results were presented in tables, charts, and narrative summaries to facilitate interpretation and dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.