Prevalence of Malaria and Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Visiting Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

The most common parasitic diseases in underdeveloped countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), are malaria and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection, which primarily affect pregnant women and children under five.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of malaria and STH infections among pregnant women at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH), Southwest Ethiopia, between March 1 and June 30, 2024.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 330 pregnant women who attended an antenatal clinic at MTUTH between March 1 and June 30, 2024. Blood and stool samples were collected using a systematic random sampling procedure following the acquisition of signed informed consent. A standardized pretested questionnaire was utilized to gather clinical and sociodemographic information. Epi-data and SPSS Version 27.0 were used for data entry and analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to assess the associated factors. Statistical significance was set at a p value of less than 0.05.

RESULT: A prevalence of 25.2% (83/330) was recorded for malaria, and STH infections were identified among 29.4% (97/330) of pregnant women who participated, with Ascaris lumbricoides having the highest prevalence among the helminths. Residence (rural) and occupational status (farmer) showed statistically significant associations with malaria infection (AOR = 2.011; p = 0.024) and (AOR = 4.801; p = 0.048), respectively, whereas presence of stagnant water and use of insecticidal residual spray showed an association with malaria infection (AOR = 2.150; p = 0.008) and (AOR = 1.756; p = 0.047), respectively. Handwashing practice before meals and after toilet showed statistically significant association with STH infection (AOR = 6.468; p = 0.002) and (AOR = 8.826; p = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The high burden of malaria and STH among pregnant women highlights the need for integrated antenatal interventions, including early ANC attendance, health education, sanitation improvements, and preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets and deworming, which would substantially lower these infections and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.