PREGNANCY RELATED ANEMIA AMONG ANTENATAL MOTHERS WITH FALCIPARUM MALARIA INFECTION.

This study utilize a cross -sectional descriptive design, it allows the collection of data from a specific population at a specific time. A total of 50 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Turai yar'adua maternity and children hospital Katsina were involved in this study. About 4ml of blood were collected from each participant for PCV and malaria parasites detection. Information such as Age, educational level, and maternal variables (parity and trimester) of the participants were collected using a structured questionnaire. Haematological analysis was conducted to find the packed cell volume (PCV) of each sample using the mictohaematocrit centrifuge machine, and readings were taking using mictohaematocrit reader. Microscopic detection of malaria parasites was conducted. Data obtain are analyzed using descriptive statistics to generate frequency distribution and prevalence of various parameters. Comparison and relationships were assessed using chi-square test. The prevalence of anemia among Plasmidium parasite pregnant women is 57.9% and non-parasitize 42. 1%. The highest prevalence rate of anemia was observed in the Plasmidium parasitize pregnant women. The overall prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in this study is 46.0% .This shows that malaria is not the only cause of anemia in pregnancy. However malaria is more associated with severe anemia because the prevalence of severe anemia among Plasmidium parasitize pregnant women in this study is 100%. Also those in second trimester and the Nulliparous has the highest prevalence rate of malaria. . We also observed that those in third trimester has the highest prevalence rate of anemia and with respect to parity the Nulliparous are recorded to have the highest prevalence rate of anemia. It was recommended that to develop and implement targeted educational campaigns aimed at pregnant women to enhance their understanding on the effects of malaria and anemia during pregnancy and how to prevent. The campaign can be reinforce during all antenatal care visit. There is also need to actively diagnosed and treat malaria infection during all antenatal care visit. And also pregnant women should take a preventive measures to prevent themselves from malaria and anemia for their better health as well as their fetus.