Malaria Parasitaemia among Pregnant Women Possessing Freely Donated Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
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Date
2014-03
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
G.J.B.A.H.S.
Abstract
A study of malaria parasitaemia was carried out between June and December, 2012 among 285 volunteered
pregnant women who had freely donated Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs). Conclusive diagnosis of plasmodiunm sp was
based on finding the parasite in Giemsa-stained blood smears. Both thick and thin blood smear were prepared, using
standard procedures. One hundred and one (26.2%) had malaria parasites. Seventy one (70.3%) of the 101 positive cases
were anaemic. Pregnant women in the age group 36-40 years had the highest prevalence of malaria infection (86.2%).
The prevalence of infection decreased significantly with parity, gestational age, the level of education and socio-
economic status (P<0.01). Only 211 (54.8%) complied absolutely by using the net, while 95(24.7%) were absolute
defaulters. The use of ITNs in malaria prevention and control is very promising. Health education and awareness
promotion should be intensified to achieve absolute compliance, especially among pregnant women.
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Keywords
Citation
Malaria, Parasitaemia, Prevalence, Intensity, Pregnant-women.