INFLUENCE OF MATERNAL FACTORS ON NEONATAL MALARIA IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA
U. M. CHUKWUOCHA *
Department of Public Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
G. C. NWAKWUO
Department of Public Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
L. C. ALINNOR
Department of Public Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: This study was done to ascertain the influence of maternal factors on neonatal malaria in South Eastern Nigeria.
Methodology: Two hundred and thirty neonates who had positive blood smears for the malaria parasite were included in the study with their mother pairs. Socio-demographic and clinical correlates were also analysed.
Results: The prevalence of neonatal malaria was found to be 35.67%. About 42.9% and 57.6% of maternal peripheral blood and placental blood respectively had malaria parasiteamia. Obstetrics factors such as parity (χ2=7.30, p=0.026) and primigravidity (χ2=6.75, p=0.009) were found to be significantly associated with neonatal malaria.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for enhanced education of pregnant mothers on the necessity of malaria prevention during pregnancy as well as early care-seeking for newborns.
Keywords: Mother, host factor, neonatal malaria, South Eastern Nigeria