Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women attending basic health centres for their first prenatal consultation: a cross-sectional survey of prevalence in urban and rural areas with permanent malaria transmission, Burkina Faso
Malaria and pregnancy in rural and urban Burkina Faso
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64707/revstss.v48i2.1933Keywords:
Malaria, pregnancy, endemic area, antenatal consultation, Burkina FasoAbstract
Introduction: Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women contributes to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among pregnant women attending for their first antenatal consultation, in order to help improve malaria prevention policies.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2022 and June 2023. The study included 2,512 pregnant women in six health centres in the Cascades, Hauts-Bassins and Sud-Ouest regions. The socio-demographic and gynaeco-obstetric characteristics of the participants were collected, and a rapid malaria diagnostic test was performed on those who consented. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection was determined, then a binary regression logistic analysis was used to identify association factors, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.
Results: The diagnostic was carried out in 2397 participants. The majority were in the third trimester of pregnancy (40.80%). The overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection was 13.26% [95% CI 11.94- 14.70]. The prevalence of infection was higher in the under-20 years old (20.2%) and in the first trimester of pregnancy (15.7%). Age of the participant, the age of pregnancy and the region were associated with plasmodium infection.
Conclusion: The study showed a frequent prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women during their first prenatal consultation and a delay in the first prenatal consultation.
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