Abstract

Globally, there was a significant decrease in the number of malaria-risk pregnancies between 2007 and 2020. The
risk of Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax malaria increased by 25% in Africa compared to 2007. Due to the
fast-expanding population and associated rise in pregnancies in malaria-endemic areas, the number of people at risk
in Africa has increased despite malaria rates declining in the region. This study determined the prevalence and
factors associated with malaria in pregnancy among women attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. This
was a single-center health facility-based cross-sectional study. Data was collected using a face-to-face interview
through a structured questionnaire from willing participants. After collecting the data, the principal investigator
checked the completed questionnaires for consistency and completeness. Data was coded, cleaned, and entered into
the computer using Microsoft Excel, and then analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was
done to ascertain the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Descriptive statistics were
summarized in the form of frequency tables, pie charts, p-values, and odds ratios. A total of 253 pregnant mothers
attending ANC were enrolled in this study. The majority (38.3%) of the study participants were aged 30-39 years,
attained secondary education (52.2%), earned 100,000–200,000 per month (56.9%), and were housewives (51.0%). In
this study, the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy was 10.3%. Age, level of education, income status, and residence,
use of an ITN, gravidity, and ANC follow-up were significantly associated with malaria in pregnancy at multivariate
logistic regression analysis. Malaria continues to be a major public health issue among pregnant mothers. Age, level
of education, income status, and residence, use of an ITN, gravidity, and ANC follow-up were factors significantly
associated with malaria in pregnancy.
Keywords: Pregnancies, Malaria, Plasmodium, ITN, ANC.