Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia among pregnant women: a health facility based survey in Nassarawa-Eggon, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia remains an effective transmission pool for malaria during pregnancy, which can result in placenta parasitaemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia among pregnant women in the antenatal clinic in General Hospital, Nassarawa-Eggon, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital based survey was carried out among 242 apparently healthy pregnant women presenting for booking in an antenatal clinic between June and August 2014. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic data and possible risk factors for asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia. These women should not have taken antimalarial medicines two weeks prior to the interview. Microscopy was used to identify malaria parasites and haemoglobin levels were estimated. Data was analysed using Epi Info 3.5.3. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, proportions, and range were used to summarise the data and the Chi square test was used to test association between categorical explanatory variables and outcome variables. RESULTS: Mean age (± SD) was 25.5 ± 5.5 years, 118 (48.8%) of the women were in the 25–34 years age group, while 153 (63.2%) were multigravidae. Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection was found in 55 women (22.7%; 95% CI: 18.0-28.7%) Among these, 36 (65.5%) were anaemic [OR: 2.0, CI: 1.1-3.8]. Long lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) was not used by 17 (30.9%) of the respondents. Younger age group (below 25 years) [AOR: 2.4, CI: 1.2-4.9] and non-usage of LLIN [AOR: 2.4, CI: 1.1-5.1] were significant predictors of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia is a health challenge among pregnant women, especially in the younger age group and can predispose them to maternal anaemia. The supply and appropriate use of LLIN should be intensified.