Malaria in Pregnant Women with High Bed Net Coverage
Author Information
Author(s): Kabanywanyi Abdunoor M, MacArthur John R, Stolk Wilma A, Habbema J Dik F, Mshinda Hassan, Bloland Peter B, Abdulla Salim, Kachur S Patrick
Primary Institution: Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre, Tanzania
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of placental malaria at delivery in women who did not receive intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in a high bed net coverage area?
Conclusion
Malaria remains a problem in pregnancy in areas with high bed net coverage when eligible women do not receive IPTp.
Supporting Evidence
- 91% of women reported sleeping under a bed net the night before delivery.
- 8% of placenta samples tested positive for malaria parasites.
- 15% of newborns were classified as low birth weight.
Takeaway
This study found that even with many women using bed nets, malaria can still affect pregnant women who don't get preventive treatment.
Methodology
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ifakara, Tanzania, including pregnant women who did not receive IPTp.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data on bed net use and IPTp.
Limitations
The study did not assess socio-economic or nutritional factors that could contribute to low birth weight.
Participant Demographics
Primigravid and secundigravid women in Ifakara, Tanzania.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1,060–11,271 for primigravid; 95% CI: 881–5,383 for secundigravid
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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