Malaria Prevalence, the Use of Intermittent Preventive Therapy and Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets among Pregnant Women in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

Malaria prevalence, the use of intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) and long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) was studied among pregnant women in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Peripheral blood were obtained from 204 pregnant women and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Structured questionnaire was used to determine the use of IPT and LLIN among the pregnant women. The results showed an overall malaria prevalence of 40.5% (99/204) in pregnant women. Prevalence varied markedly within age groups, with ages 15-19 recording a value of 75%. Prevalence among the primigravidae was 55.1% compared to 39.5% for multigravidae. There was a statistical significance in prevalence by age and by parity (P<0.05). Compliance to the use of IPT was 53.9% (110/204). The result also showed that 79.4% (162/204) sleep under LLIN. Malaria was still a problem among pregnant woman and IPT reduced malaria during pregnancy.