Abstract

Background: Malaria,in pregnancy particularly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, remains a significant public health challenge among mothers and their unborn children.
Aim:This research, carried out from April to October 2023, sought to explore the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among pregnant women attending General Hospital, Okpoga, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.
Material and Method: Microscopic examination of thick and thin blood smears stained with Giemsa was used for parasite detection.
Results: Out of 140 blood samples analyzed, 64 (45.7%) tested positive for Plasmodium falciparum. The highest prevalence was observed among women aged 16–20 years (18 cases, 12.9%), with a statistically significant association between age and infection rate (p < 0.05). Primigravidae recorded the highest infection rate (35 cases, 25.0%), while prevalence by gestational age was highest in the first trimester (32 cases, 22.9%), followed by the second (21 cases, 15.0%) and third trimesters (11 cases, 7.9%). These findings suggest that younger, first-time pregnant women, particularly those in the early stages of pregnancy, are more susceptible to malaria due to immunosuppression.
conclusion:The significant burden of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women necessitates immediate action to enhance malaria prevention and control strategies. Enhanced antenatal screening, increased distribution of ITNs, and improved access to intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) are recommended to reduce the prevalence and mitigate the adverse health impacts of Plasmodium falciparum infection during pregnancy.

Key words: Pregnancy, Prevalence, Primigravidae, Plasmodium falciparum, Okpokwu