TITLE:
Epidemiological Aspects of Malaria in Pregnant Women: Prevalence and Risk Factors in Mwene Ditu, DR Congo
AUTHORS:
Musasa Kasongo Jean-Claude, Mwarabu Much’apa Bienfait, Ilunga Kandolo Simon, Kakoma Sakatolo Zambeze Jean-Baptiste
KEYWORDS:
Epidemiological Aspects, Malaria, Pregnant Women Risk Factors, Mwene Ditu, DR Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.5 No.6,
June
26,
2018
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Malaria in pregnancy induces significant risks for the mother and the foetus. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria and the risk factors among pregnant women in the Health District of Mwene Ditu in DR Congo. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study based on household survey was carried out in June 2016 in the Health District of Mwene Ditu. The calculated sample size was 461 pregnant women selected through a stratified random sampling. A structured interview using a pre-established questionnaire was administered to and peripheral blood samples were collected for laboratory tests in all pregnant women presenting malaria symptoms or fever history. The following statistics were used: Chi square test and Odds ratio with a confidence interval at 95%. Results: The prevalence of malaria in pregnant women was 14.97%. The following parameters proved to be risk factors for malaria illness in pregnant women in Mwene Ditu: low socio-economic level of the couple [AOR = 6.48 (1.51; 27.78)], agrarian activities [AOR = 5,56 (2.47; 12.50)], facts of not sleeping under ITBN each night [AOR = 17.39 (8.38; 36.10)] as well as of not getting SP for intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) in pregnancy [AOR = 4.08 (1.32; 12.59)] and financially supporting all interventions for fighting against malaria [AOR = 3.43 (1.42; 8.29)]. Conclusion: Malaria is frequent among the pregnant women of Mwene Ditu. The ANC frequentation and an appropriate organization prove to be paramount interest.