Abstract

Thomas Hile, J. P. Assam Assam, E. Amali and E. Amuta*

Epidemiological studies of malaria in pregnant women who live in Garoua, malaria endemic areas are scarce. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence and distribution of malaria in the area. A total of two hundred and forty (240) pregnant women participated in the survey from January to March, 2007. Out of the 240 pregnant women examined, 97 were found to have malarial infections during the study, with Plasmodium falciparum. There was significant difference between prevalence of the infection at different stages of pregnancy (χ² = 0.088, df = 2, P < 0.05). Further investigations showed that 101 (44.44%) of the pregnant women had no bed nets for various reasons. Implication of malaria in pregnancy cannot be over emphasized. The need to vigorously pursue acceptance of control methods like the bed nets are discussed.