ABSTRACT
Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy is a major public health challenge responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in endemic areas. In areas with stable malaria transmission like Nigeria, the vast majority of infections with Plasmodium falciparum in pregnancy remain asymptomatic, undetected and untreated with the attendant major impacts on the mother and the unborn fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and its associated factors among women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) in a secondary health facility. The study was conducted at the General Hospital, Nassarawa-Eggon, Nasarawa State, from June to August, 2014. Two hundred and forty-two pregnant women were recruited after obtaining an informed consent and a structured questionnaire was administered to each participant. CareStartTM Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and two thin and thick blood films were used to identify malaria parasites and estimate density. Haemoglobin levels were estimated using the packed cell volume (PCV) technique. A total of 242 pregnant women participated in this study. About half of the women, (48.8%) were in the reproductive age group of 25 - 34 years,(65. 3%)were civil servants,(34. 3%) had a primary level of education and (63.2%) were multigravidae. The malaria specie that was identified in the area was Plasmodium falciparum. The percentage prevalence for malaria parasitaemia was 22. 7% by microscopy and 25.6% by RDT screening. Age below 25years and nonusage of LLIN were significantly associated with malaria parasitaemia while primigravidae and anaemia were not.The level of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia revealed in this study was high. Younger age of less than 25 years had highest risk of malaria parasitaemia. Failure to use LLIN is associated with an increased risk of malaria infection. Malaria parasitaemia can be responsible for anaemia in pregnancy and mother to child transmission of malaria. The performance of RDT for malaria screening in this study is comparable with Microscopy as the Gold Standard for use in our health facility. The administration of IPT should be intensified and routine diagnosis of malaria infection should be introduced as part of antenatal care strategy in our health facilities. Keywords: Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia, pregnant women, LLIN, Nassarawa-Eggon, Nigeria.