ASYMPTOMATIC PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM INFECTIONS RATES, ANEMIAS, AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE, MSAMBWENI HOSPITAL, KWALE COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

Background: In Kenya, the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections (API) among pregnant women ranges from 9% to 18%. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with API and anemia in pregnant women who were receiving their first prenatal care. Methods: This cross-sectional survey enrolled pregnant women who attended prenatal care at Msambweni County Referral Hospital (MCRH) from September 2018 to February 2019. Various variables, including maternal age, obstetric history, bed net ownership and usage, soil consumption, hemoglobin levels, and malaria status, were collected. Data analysis was performed using Epi Info 7. Descriptive analysis was conducted to compare the cases of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections (API) and anemia with those who did not have either condition. Chi-square test was used to assess associations, calculate prevalence odds ratios (POR), and determine their 95% confidence intervals (CI) to identify factors associated with API and anemia Results: A total of 308 pregnant women participated in this study, with a mean age of 26.6 years and a standard deviation (SD) of 5.8 for gestational age. Among the participants, 62.7% had anemia and 12.9% had asymptomatic Plasmodium infections (API). Younger age was independently associated with having API compared to those aged 20 years and older (chi-square = 12.03, P-value = 0.02, adjusted prevalence odds ratio [aPOR] = 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.71-12.01). Anemia in pregnancy (AiP) was independently associated with a gestational age of 16 weeks (chi-square = 14.9, P-value = 0.002), with an aPOR of 3.3 (95% CI: 1.72-6.41), and with individuals reporting soil ingestion (chi-square = 9.30, P-value = 0.02, aPOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.21- 3.41). Those with API were three times more likely to have anemia compared to those without API (aPOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.21-8.60, chi-square = 8.10, P-value = 0.001). Conclusion: Anemia in pregnancy (AiP) was found to be associated with women who reported consuming soil, while asymptomatic Plasmodium infections (API) were linked to younger women with a gestational age greater than 16 weeks. These are common conditions that often affect pregnant women. It is recommended to conduct regular early malaria screening and implement prophylactic measures for women with AiP