PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF MALARIA INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING IN GENERAL HOSPITAL TALATA MAFARA ZAMFARA STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of malaria infection among pregnant women attending the General Hospital in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State. Malaria continues to pose a significant threat to maternal health, particularly in endemic regions like Zamfara State. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women and assess various risk factors that contribute to malaria infection in this population. A total of 99 pregnant women participated in the study, and the prevalence of malaria among them was found to be 54.55%. Several demographic and behavioral factors were analyzed to determine their relationship with the incidence of malaria, including age, residence, stage of pregnancy, use of mosquito nets, access to safe water, and taking malaria vaccine. Prevalence by Age: The highest prevalence was observed among women below 15 years of age (72.22%), followed by women aged 18-30 years (53.97%), and it was lowest in women aged 30 years and above (38.89%). However, the relationship between age and malaria prevalence was not statistically significant (p = 0.132). Residence: Women living in rural areas had a slightly higher prevalence of malaria (55.05%) compared to those living in the main town (50%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.816). Month of Pregnancy: Malaria prevalence was highest among women in their first trimester (66.67%), while those in their last trimester (9 months and above) had the lowest prevalence (30%). However, no statistically significant relationship was found between pregnancy stage and malaria infection (p = 0.362). Water Source: Malaria prevalence was highest among women who relied on surface water (100%), while those using table water had the lowest prevalence (40%). Despite these differences, the relationship between water source and malaria infection was not statistically significant (p = 0.149). Economic Status: Women with medium economic status had the highest prevalence (57.58%), followed by those with low economic status (54.39%). Women with upper economic status had the lowest prevalence (44.45%). However, economic status did not significantly affect malaria prevalence (p = 0.781).