Abstract

In the sub-Saharan Africa, malaria affects an estimated 24 million pregnant women and the region records the greatest severity of malaria accounting for 90% of all the deaths. Thus, this study is aimed at determining the possible risk factors for malaria among pregnant women attending ANC at Ishaka Adventist Hospital. This was a cross sectional study carried out among 185 pregnant women after informed consent was obtained. Data on demographic factors and prevalence of malaria was collected using a pretested questionnaire. Collected data was entered and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25. Of the total 185 pregnant women in the study, 19.5% were infected with malaria parasites. This study found that lower gravidity, non-usage of ITNs and not taking IPT were the major factors associated with an increased risk of malaria infection in pregnancy. The control measures available in the area should be reviewed and emphasis should be placed on adequate sensitization on usage of ITNs and IPT should be taken from the health facility to ensure high coverage. Awareness on malaria prevention measures during pregnancy should target young women even before marriage preferably at schools, and social and religious gatherings.