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Malaria Parasitaemia among Pregnant Women Possessing Freely Donated Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Nyamngee Amase, Edungbola Luke Dayo, Edogun Abike Helen, Akanbi II Ajibola Aliu

A study of malaria parasitaemia was carried out between June and December, 2012 among 285 volunteered pregnant women who had freely donated Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs). Conclusive diagnosis of plasmodiunm sp was based on finding the parasite in Giemsa-stained blood smears. Both thick and thin blood smear were prepared, using standard procedures. One hundred and one (26.2%) had malaria parasites. Seventy one (70.3%) of the 101 positive cases were anaemic. Pregnant women in the age group 36-40 years had the highest prevalence of malaria infection (86.2%). The prevalence of infection decreased significantly with parity, gestational age, the level of education and socioeconomic status (P<0.01). Only 211 (54.8%) complied absolutely by using the net, while 95(24.7%) were absolute defaulters. The use of ITNs in malaria prevention and control is very promising. Health education and awareness promotion should be intensified to achieve absolute compliance, especially among pregnant women.