A Retrospective Study On The Prevalence Of Malaria In Pregnancy- Iftin Sub-District Hospital, Garissa, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women

attending antenatal clinic, at Iftin sub-District Hospital. The study design was a retrospective

study where data was collected from patient’s records in the health records department and the

laboratory department and the results presented in tables, pie charts, and graphs. All cases of

malaria in pregnancy in that period were considered. A total of 131 cases had malaria in

pregnancy out of patients who were seen during the study period. The prevalence of malaria in

pregnancy was 9.84%.

The majority of the cases were age between 21-25years, the patients were mostly in the second

trimester (49.62%) with most of them having a negative blood slides for malaria (63.36%).

However a significant number of the mothers who were followed up in the study were aware of

the importance of intermittent presumptive therapy (85.49%).

All cases reviewed were found to have received antimalarials and analgesics. Some were given

antibiotics for some associated infections. Majority of cases were found to have anaemia of varying degrees (36.64%).

There is therefore a need for massive health education about all aspects of malaria. There should be enough mobilization of resources to counter the increasing prevalence rates of malaria. There should be deployment of skilled health workers who can provide effective treatment to reduce the morbidity and mortality of malaria.