Hamatological parameters and malaria parasite infection among pregnant women in Northwest Nigeria

ObjectiveTo evaluate some hematological and anthropometric parameters, malaria infection at different trimesters in pregnancy.MethodsFifty pregnant women (6 in first trimester, 28 in second trimester and 16 in third trimester) between ages of 15–40 years with ten age-matched non-pregnant women used as control were enrolled in the study. Consent were obtained from the subjects after which semi-structured questionnaires were administered to obtain data on demographic and socio-economic variables, reproductive and medical history. Anthropometric variables, and hematology were carried out using standard procedures.ResultsAnthropometric characteristics showed no significant difference in weight, height and BMI when compared with non-pregnant control. Hematological values indicated higher values for non-pregnant women but not statistically significant. Prevalence of malaria infection in pregnant women showed that 40% of pregnant women examined were infected compared to 30% non-pregnant with those with first pregnancy (primagravid) recording the highest infection (47.62%) with pregnant women within age 15–18 years least infected (16.7%). Pregnant women in the third trimester had the highest (50%) malaria infection and there was increase in prevalence with increase education status and those with first pregnancy (primagravid) recorded the highest infection (47.62%). Treatment used when infected showed 36.8% and 42.9% used malaria drug and both drug/herbs respectively.ConclusionsHigher prevalence rate of malaria infection in pregnant women with the highest prevalence recorded in those with first conception (primigravidae). There is a need for continuous monitoring of hematological parameters and malaria parasite infection for better outcome of pregnancy.