Research Article

Factors Associated with Malaria Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Healthcare Centres in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria remains an important cause of maternal morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, where pregnancy increases susceptibility to infection and complications such as maternal anaemia, placental malaria, low birth weight and preterm delivery. Despite recommended preventive measures, including intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and antenatal care (ANC), malaria infection persists among pregnant women. Evidence on factors associated with malaria infection in riverine communities of Rivers State is limited, making context-specific evidence necessary to strengthen primary healthcare interventions. This study assessed factors associated with malaria infection among pregnant women attending selected primary healthcare facilities in Degema Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 pregnant women from August to October 2025. Participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and review of antenatal and facility records. Malaria infection was defined as a documented diagnosis during the current pregnancy. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression were used; statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Malaria infection was confirmed during the current pregnancy in 266 women (63.0%). Diagnosis was based on RDT alone in 155 (36.7%), microscopy alone in 69 (16.4%), and both methods in 42 (10.0%). Verification was primarily through ANC/PHC registers, followed by laboratory records and patients’ ANC cards or medical records. In multivariable analysis, women aged 25–34 years had lower odds of infection than those aged 18–24 years (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.74; p = 0.020). Failure to close doors and windows early was associated with higher odds of infection (AOR = 7.43, 95% CI: 3.45–15.98; p < 0.001). Receiving no or one dose of IPTp-SP was also associated with higher odds of infection compared with receiving three or more doses (both p < 0.001). Other examined factors were not statistically significant after adjustment. Documented malaria infection was common among antenatal attendees in Degema, and comprehensive use of prevention strategies was limited. Strengthening antenatal counselling, timely IPTp-SP and household protection, alongside improved diagnostic and preventive-record documentation is warranted. 

Authors affiliation:

Queen Iboroma Baibi (ORCID): Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Amaka Azubike Ogba (ORCID): Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Owhonka Aleruchi (ORCID): Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Boma Judith Fubara: Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Anthony Ike Wegbom (ORCID): Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

How To Cite: Q.I. Baibi, A.A. Ogba, O. Aleruchi, B.J. Fubara, and A.I. Wegbom. Factors Associated with Malaria Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Healthcare Centres in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Public Health and Environmental Research, 2(2):143–150, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58612/jpher2215