Malaria infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bududa hospital, eastern Uganda

Abstract

Pregnancy-associated malaria is a major health concern in Bududa district. To assess the prevalence of malaria infection in pregnancy in Bududa District; a hospital-based, cross-sectional study was carried out. Two hundred fifty-two participants were selected using consecutive simple non probability sampling on consenting. Capillary blood samples were collected. Thick and thin smears were made, stained using 3% Giemsa staining technique and examined under the light microscope for malaria parasites and species typing. Data was cleaned and entered using Epi information version 3.5.3, later converted by Microsoft access, excel and word and descriptive data analysed using SPSS. Prevalence of malaria was 8.73 % (22/252) (95% CI 3.8-13.7). Only P. falciparum species was identified and malaria infections were high in primigravid with 16.28% (14/86) than in multigravid (P-value < 0.001). Malaria infection still remains a health challenge among pregnant women with a prevalence of 8.73% (22/252); P. falciparum was the only species identified, primigravid pregnant women are most affected. Routine malaria screening in symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections in pregnancy for early diagnoses and prevent transmission is vital. It is crucial to intensify and sensitize mothers and communities about malaria control programmes.