Reproductive Health and Wellness
Prevalence and associated factors of Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth infections among pregnant women in Osun state, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth (STHs) infection are widespread in sub-Sahara Africa, where
co-infection is also common. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections and their risk factors among pregnant women
in Osogbo, Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were recruited. Plasmodium falciparum was detected using
thick and thin film methods, while formol ether concentration method was used for STHs detection. A questionnaire was used
to investigate the possible risk factors associated with acquisition of malaria and helminth infections.
Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum, STHs and their co-infection was 29.5%, 12% and 5% respectively. P. falciparum, STHs
and P. falciparum + STHs co-infection was significantly higher in primigravidae (52.5% vs 58.3% vs 80%) than in secongravidae
(18.6% vs 25.0% vs 20%) and multigravidae (28.8% vs 16.7% vs 0%) (p=0.02). Prevalence associated factors identified for P.
falciparum was age (p=0.0001) while gravidity (p=0.02) was identified for P. falciparum + STHs co-infection.
Conclusion: High prevalence of P. falciparum and helminth infections was observed among the pregnant women with primigravidae
being the most susceptible to co-infection. There is an urgent need to implement an effective malaria and STHs preventive
method for this high risk population.
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