Prevalence of Malaria Parasitaemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Kano State, North West Nigeria

Malaria in pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to maternal anaemia, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected primary health care centres in Kano State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, with blood samples collected from 200 consenting pregnant women across their first, second, and third trimesters. Thick and thin blood films were prepared, stained with Giemsa, and examined microscopically for Plasmodium species identification and parasite density estimation. Rapid diagnostic tests were also conducted for comparative purposes. Sociodemographic data were collected using structured questionnaires. Findings revealed an overall prevalence of 38.5%, with Plasmodium falciparum accounting for 96.1% of all positive cases. Primigravidae had significantly higher infection rates compared to multigravidae. Women in the second trimester recorded the highest parasitaemia. Anaemia was present in 67.3% of infected women. Socioeconomic factors, including lack of insecticide-treated net use and low educational attainment, were significantly associated with infection risk. The study concludes that malaria parasitaemia remains highly prevalent among pregnant women in Kano State and recommends intensified intermittent preventive treatment programs, increased distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and routine parasitological screening at all antenatal visits to reduce maternal and foetal morbidity. Keywords: malaria parasitaemia, pregnant women, antenatal clinics, Plasmodium falciparum, Kano State