Prevalence and Determinants of Asymptomatic Malaria Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Services in Lira District / Lira City

Abstract

Background: Asymptomatic malaria infection is a positive Rapid Diagnostic Test or blood smear for P. falciparum with no clinical signs or symptoms conclusive of Malaria. Most malaria infections among pregnant women in high or moderate transmission are asymptomatic, infected women may not seek treatment yet with a devastating consequences on both the mother and fetus and can progress to severe MIP by acting as reservoir of malaria infection. Objectives To assess the prevalence and determinants of asymptomatic Malaria among pregnant women attending services in PHC facilties in lira district/Lira City. Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to pregnant women tested for asymptomatic MIP at their exit points. Analysised at three levels univariate, bivariate and multivariate respectively. Variables with p-values ˂0.05 were considered statistically significant factors influencing Asymtomatpic MIP on logistic regression. While qualitative data collected through key informat interview guide, analysised through content analysis. Results: Of the 267 respondents, 25.5% had asymptomatic malaria, living within Lira district (aOR=0.50,p=0.02,95% Cl=0.276-0.895) had a 50% incresed likilhood of asymptomatic MIP compared to living in Lira City, being aged 25-29 years (aOR=2.70, ,p=0.04,95% Cl=1.067-6.82) had a 2.70 odds of asymptomatic MIP compared to other age groups. Women from places where VHTs did,t know their roles (aOR=0.596, ,p=0.01,95% Cl=0.322-1.10) had a 0.4% incresed likilhood of asymptomatic MIP compared to others. Conclusion: High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Lira district compared to Lira City. Middle age mother were more than twice more likely to have assymptomic malaria.