scholarly journals INTRIGUING PREDICTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MALARIA INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN MT. ELGON SUB COUNTY, KENYA

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ashivira Cyrus ◽  
Kibet Grace ◽  
Kabutbei Lonah

Introduction: Universally, malaria continues to ravage the lives of innocent expectant women. In Kenya malaria prevalence among adult females is 28% while in Mt. Elgon Sub County, which is categorised under highland epidemic prone malaria area, prevalence of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is uncertain. Therefore, this study sought to determine intriguing predictors associated with malaria infection among pregnant women in Mt. Elgon Sub-County. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical design was employed and mixed methods used for data collection. For quantitative data collection, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from pregnant women who attended ANC in selected health facilities in the study area. Further, qualitative approach adopted interview guides that targeted key informants in the health facilities. Systematic random sampling method was used to select 392 participants for the study. Data was analysed by SPSS version 25.0.  Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the association between independent variable and dependent variable. Findings:  Study results revealed that, the prevalence of MiP was 16.2%. Prevalence was higher among women aged less than 25 (67.3%, n=262) compared to those aged > 25 years (33.7%, n=137). The following five factors were statistically significantly associated with malaria prevalence in pregnancy: place of residence (OR: 5.7; 95%CI: 2.6 – 12.4; p < 0.0001); those who tested positive in the last 2 years (OR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.0 – 2.9; p = 0.05); preferred shape of ITN’s (OR: 3.8; 95%CI: 1.5 – 9.7; p = 0.008);earth floor (OR: 1.8; 95%CI: 1.0 – 3.1; p = 0.03);  mud wall (OR: 1.8; 95%CI: 1.0 – 3.1; p = 0.03). In conclusion, age group, place of residence, testing positive in the last 2 years, preferred shape of ITN, earth floor and mud wall were significant factors associated with MiP. Recommendations: To curb MiP, the study recommends Bungoma County government to promote use of ITNs and preferable rectangular ITN’s by ensuring they are translated to appropriate use; support regular indoor residual spraying with insecticides and educate the residents on the role of improved housing on malaria protection and empowerment of the community to adopt improved housing.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chonge Kitojo ◽  
Frank Chacky ◽  
Emmanuel S. Kigadye ◽  
Joseph P. Mugasa ◽  
Abdallah Lusasi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tanzania started implementing single screening and treatment (SST) for all pregnant women attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visits in 2014, using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treating those who test positive according to the national guidelines. However, there is a paucity of data to show the acceptability of SST to both pregnant women and health care workers (HCWs), taking into consideration the shortage of workers and the added burden of this policy to the health system. This study assessed the perceptions and opinions of health service users and providers to determine the acceptability of SST policy. Methods Pregnant women and HCWs in eight health facilities in two districts of Lindi region (Kilwa and Lindi) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires with open and close-ended questions. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, including demographic characteristics, women’s experience, their perception on SST and challenges they face when receiving services for malaria offered at ANC. Experience of HCWs regarding the implementation of SST as part of routine services and the challenges encountered when providing ANC services for malaria in pregnancy (MIP) were also assessed. Results Of the 143 pregnant women interviewed, 97% viewed testing favourably and would wish to be tested for malaria again, while 95% were satisfied with services and reasons for testing during the first ANC visit. Nearly all (99%) would recommend their fellow pregnant women to be tested for malaria and all women recommended that the Ministry of Health should continue the SST strategy. This was despite the fact that 76% of the women experienced pain and 16% had anxiety as a result of finger prick. Sixteen HCWs (mostly nurses) were interviewed; they also viewed SST implementation favourably and reported feeling empowered to use RDTs for malaria screening. The main challenge identified by HCWs was that nurses are not allowed to prescribe anti-malarials to women who test positive and need to refer them to the outpatient department for treatment. Conclusion SST was considered an acceptable approach to control MIP by HCWs and pregnant women, and they recommended the continuation of the policy. In addition, consideration should be given to implementing a task-shifting policy to allow nurses to dispense anti-malarials to pregnant women.


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
Gayani Amarasinghe ◽  
Vasana Mendis ◽  
Thilini Agampodi

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy, which can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, is a significant global health problem. Despite Sri Lanka’s strong public health system and commitment towards prevention, maternal anaemia remains a major problem in the country. While prevention is focused on iron deficiency, detailed etiological studies on this topic are scarce. Moreover, estimates of socio demographic and economic factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy, which can provide important clues for anaemia control, are also lacking. This study aims to evaluate the hemoglobin distribution, spatial distribution, etiology and associated factors for anaemia in pregnant women in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Methods: This is a cross sectional study of pregnant women in their first trimester registered for antenatal care from July to September 2019 in the Anuradhapura district. The minimal sample size was calculated to be 1866. Initial data collection has already been carried out in special field clinics for pregnant women between June to October 2019. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, a self-completed dietary questionnaire and an examination checklist were used for data collection. In addition, all participants underwent complete blood count testing. Further investigations are being conducted for predicting the etiology of anaemia based on a developed algorithm (such as high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] and peripheral blood film analysis). Discussion: Being the largest study on anaemia during pregnancy in a single geographical area in Sri Lanka, this study will provide important clues about geographical clustering of anaemia cases with similar etiology, associated factors and etiologies which would help to develop interventions to improve the health of pregnant women in the area. The possibility of selection bias is a potential limitation associated with the study design.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Yasmin Iles-Caven ◽  
Kate Northstone ◽  
Jean Golding

Enrolling a cohort in pregnancy can be methodologically difficult in terms of structuring data collection. For example, some exposures of interest may be time-critical while other (often retrospective) data can be collected at any point during pregnancy.  The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prime example of a cohort where certain data were collected at specific time points and others at variable times depending on the gestation at contact.  ALSPAC aimed to enrol as many pregnant women as possible in a geographically defined area with an expected date of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992. The ideal was to enrol women as early in pregnancy as possible, and to collect information, when possible, at two fixed gestational periods (18 and 32 weeks). A variety of methods were used to enrol participants.   Approximately 80% of eligible women resident in the study area were enrolled. Gestation at enrolment ranged from 4-41 (median = 14) weeks of pregnancy. Given this variation in gestation we describe the various decisions that were made in regard to the timing of questionnaires to ensure that appropriate data were obtained from the pregnant women.  45% of women provided data during the first trimester, this is less than ideal but reflects the fact that many women do not acknowledge their pregnancy until the first trimester is safely completed. Data collection from women at specific gestations (18 and 32 weeks) was much more successful (80-85%). Unfortunately, it was difficult to obtain environmental data during the first trimester. Given the time critical nature of exposures during this trimester, researchers must take the gestational age at which environmental data was collected into account. This is particularly important for data collected using the questionnaire named ‘Your Environment’ (using data known as the A files).


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny F. Yeboah ◽  
Richmond Afoakwah ◽  
Ekene K. Nwaefuna ◽  
Orish Verner ◽  
Johnson N. Boampong

The use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as an intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) against malaria during pregnancy has become a policy in most sub-Sahara African countries and crucially depends on the efficacy of SP. This study sets out to evaluate the effectiveness of the SP given to the pregnant women in some selected health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana to prevent maternal malaria in pregnant women. A total of 543 pregnant women recruited from 7 selected health centres in Central Region of Ghana participated in the study. Parasite density ofPlasmodium falciparumwas determined from peripheral blood of the pregnant women using microscopy. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and dissolution tester were used to determine the quality of the SP. Malaria infection was recorded in 11.2% of pregnant women who had a history of SP consumption. SP failed the dissolution test. Pregnant women who did not receive IPT-SP were 44%. Low haemoglobin level was recorded in 73.5% of the pregnant women. The results indicated that SP was substandard. IPT-SP is ineffective in preventing malaria infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-598
Author(s):  
Zsuzsanna Veroszta ◽  
Krisztina Kopcsó ◽  
Julianna Boros ◽  
Balázs Kapitány ◽  
Laura Szabó ◽  
...  

Cohort ’18 Growing Up in Hungary is a longitudinal birth cohort study run by the Hungarian Demographic Research Institute that will follow the lives of more than 8,000 children from before birth. The purpose of this countrywide representative study is to provide an overview of child development in Hungary and the factors influencing it. The main areas of data collection comprise demographics, social background, health and development. The observation began in 2018, among pregnant women in the 28th to 31st week of pregnancy. Within the first financially covered period of the research programme, this prenatal wave is followed by four further data collection waves: when the child is 6 months, 18 months, 27–30 months and 3 years old. During each of the waves, mothers, as primary caregivers, are interviewed either face to face or by telephone. There is also a computer-assisted telephone interview with the father, when the child is 18 months old. The primary data collection is supplemented by the integration of data from administrative systems. So far, two waves of Cohort ’18 have taken place (prenatal and six-month). The first resulted in a database of 8,287 pregnant women (8,409 foetuses). Following the next waves (which will cover children up to the age of three years), plans are in hand for further financial periods of the research programme – right up until the children are grown up. This study profile introduces readers to Cohort ’18 by providing a brief overview of its origins, objectives, design and potential.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Cempaka Yudithia Junandar ◽  
Ivon Diah Wittiarika ◽  
Budi Utomo ◽  
Ernawati Ernawati

Abstract Background : At the beginning of a pregnancy the mother experiences various processes of transition or adaptation regarding changes in herself, so that she really needs support from her environment. Lack of social support can worsen the physiological complaints of pregnant women including Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP). Complaints of nausea and vomiting can affect the mother in carrying out daily activities, affect the mother's social situation with the environment and cause stress. Therefore, it is important to research the relationship between social support and the degree of nausea and vomiting in first and second-trimester pregnant women. Method : This research method is observational analytic with cross sectional research design. Sampling used the total sampling method with the criteria of pregnant women who had complaints of nausea and vomiting. Collecting data using primary data using a 24-hour PUQE questionnaire that measures the duration and frequency of nausea and vomiting and the MSPSS questionnaire measuring social support. The data collected were analyzed using the Spearman test (p<0.15). Results : Out of 47 respondents, 34 pregnant women (72.3%) received high social support. Besides that, 24 out of 47 respondents (51.1%) experienced moderate degree of NVP. In this study, there were no respondents who experienced severe degree of NVP. Spearman test analysis results obtained p= 0.833 or p>0.15. Conclusion : There is no relationship between social support with NVP in first and second trimester of pregnancy. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (11) ◽  
pp. 346-348
Author(s):  
Joseph Omang ◽  
Antor O Ndep ◽  
Dominic Offiong ◽  
Fidelis Otu ◽  
Kenneth Onyejose

Malaria is caused by the parasite plasmodium which can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Of the five types of plasmodium (P. Falciparium, P.Ovale, P. Malaria, P. Vivax and P. Knowlesi), the plasmodium falciparium is the deadliest and affects the lives of almost  40 per cent of the world’s population with pregnant women and children  under-five years of age being the most affected. This mini-review involved the collation of findings from recent studies in regards to the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women and infants. A systematic analysis of recent literature on the  prevalence of malaria in pregnancy from many authors was carried out and the facts synthesized to make an easy read. From the analysis of literature, Ten Thousand women and 200,000 babies were reported to be dying annually from complications of malaria in pregnancy which recorded a prevalence of 85 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa. More so, Fifty per cent of pregnant women  were discovered to be carrying plasmodium falciparium in their placenta without even experiencing malaria signs/ symptoms, and this development was reported to have been responsible for Twenty per cent of stillbirths and 11 per cent of all maternal deaths. Malaria infection is considered a major threat to the lives and well-being of pregnant women and infants. Therefore, stakeholders should ensure that every clinical diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy is confirmed with a laboratory plasmodium falciparium-based diagnosis before the administration of antimalarial drugs. Furthermore there should be a  stepping –up on the distribution of insecticide treated nets alongside enlightenment of pregnant women on ways of preventing mosquito bite. Instituting the aforementioned approaches is key to improving the health- seeking behaviour of pregnant women in particular and the wider population in general thus enabling them to stay malaria free throughout the period of pregnancy and infancy.


Author(s):  
Onyemaechi Ngozi Edith ◽  
Malann Yoila David

Aim: This research aim was to investigate the impact of living conditions (Socio demographic characteristics) of pregnant women on their malarial status. Study Design: In order to achieve the objectives of the study, Cross sectional survey was used. This is because only a subsect of the population was used. Descriptive designs was utilised in the Questionnaire aspect of the study. Place and Duration of Study: The Presidential Malarial initiative PMI/USAID - funded Insectary Laboratory at Nasarawa State University, Keffi/six (6) Months. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from the participating pregnant women by pricking their thumb and the blood droplet was examined using a direct thin and thick blood smear preparation stained with giemsa for the presence of the ring form stages of the parasites in the blood of the individuals in the laboratory. Qualitative data were sourced through Questionnaire administration to 589 pregnant women in Antenatal care clinics (ANC) in the area and their malaria status was also determined. Results: Study results showed a high prevalence rate of malaria in pregnancy (70.5%), the greater number of occurrences being in Lugbe (42.3%) than in Gosa (28.2%). Those living in houses built with wood recorded more positive cases of malaria and are at greater risk of infection (odds = 1.866%). Conclusion: This study has shown an increased rate of malaria infection amongst pregnant women living in wood and mud houses. The result also shows high rate of malaria occurrences due to low living conditions amongst pregnant women domiciled in this area of study. Hence, pregnant women should as a routine be placed on malaria prophylaxis and periodically checked as they can be asymptomatic, only exhibiting symptoms when its already late.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelika Kobylińska ◽  
Nicole Sochacki-Wójcicka ◽  
Dariusz Gozdowski ◽  
Dorota Bomba-Opoń ◽  
Mirosław Wielgoś ◽  
...  

Introduction. Pregnancy is a period of increased risk of oral diseases that affect both the course of pregnancy and child’s health. Pregnant women should pay particular attention to dental and periodontal health by implementing intensified preventive and therapeutic activities. Aim. An evaluation of the reasons for dental visits and the types of dental services among pregnant women, with reference to the impact of the socio-demographic factors such as place of residence and the type of medical facility. Material and methods. An electronic survey was conducted among women up to 5 years postpartum (consent of the bioethical committee of Medical University of Warsaw). Socio-demographic data as well as information on the course of pregnancy, dental appointments during pregnancy, the type of dental procedures and the type of attended healthcare facilities were collected. The chi-square test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. A p ≤ 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results. A total of 3,439 questionnaires completed 2 weeks to 5 years after delivery by women aged between 13.1 – 45.4 years, including 40.9% of urban residents, 74.8% of women with higher education, and 41% of women in good economic situation, were analysed. A total of 62.3% of respondents reported attending dental appointments (usually private) during pregnancy. The need for treatment was the most common reason for the visit. The attendance and the reasons for dental visits depended on the age, economic status, professional activity, place of residence, level of education, dental care before pregnancy and gynaecologist’s recommendations. A total of 63% of women who reported to the dentist received dental care. The most common procedures included dental caries treatment (53.7%), dental scaling (13.6%) and endodontic treatment (9.5%). Dental radiography was less common (2.5%). Except for tooth extraction and endodontic treatment, all procedures were usually performed in private practices rather than those having a contract with the Polish National Health Fund. Conclusions. Dental attendance among pregnant women, which is modified by socio-demographic factors, is associated with the need for dental treatment and a referral from a gynecologist. The limited use of preventive procedures and avoiding diagnostic radiology during pregnancy indicate the need to educate both future mothers and dentists on dental care in pregnancy.


Author(s):  
Feri Yuda Anggara ◽  
◽  
Setyo Sri Rahardjo ◽  
Bhisma Murti ◽  
◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria infection in pregnancy contributes to low birth weight through preterm delivery and intrau-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). Maternal haemoglobin concentrations were found lower in malaria infected than non-infected women and reduced haemoglobin was the main determinant of preterm delivery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of malaria infection on premature birth delivery. Subjects and Method: Meta-analysis ad systematic review was conducted by collecting published articles from Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer Link, and Science Direct databases, from year 2010 to 2020. Keywords used “malaria in pregnancy”, “malaria during pregnant AND preterm”, malaria during pregnant AND preterm AND cross sectional study AND adjusted ratio”. The inclusion criteria were full text, using cross sectional study design, and reporting adjusted odds ratio. The articles were selected by PRISMA diagram. The quantitative data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 using random effect model. Results: 6 articles reported that malaria infection in pregnant women increased the risk of premature birth delivery (aOR= 1.72; 95% CI= 1.15 to 2.57; p= 0.009). Conclusion: Malaria infection in pregnant women increases the risk of premature birth delivery. Keywords: malaria infection, premature birth delivery Correspondence: Feri Yuda Anggara. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: 085220426805. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.03.119


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