Prevalence of Malaria Parasite among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women Attending Anti-Natal Care at Mgbirichi Health Center in Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A, Imo State

This study was conducted between the months of July, 2015 to May, 2017. A total of 150 (80 pregnant and 70 non pregnant) women attending clinic at Mgbirichi Health Center were used in the study. Blood samples were obtained through finger prick. The samples were tested for malaria parasite and Hb concentration in thick and thin films using standard parasitological and haematology techniques. The study revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of malaria parasite among pregnant women 75% (60) when compared with non pregnant women 20 (28%) at P<0.05. Also the Hb level 9.8 (68.8%) among pregnant women was statistically lower when compared with non pregnant women 13.3(93.1%) at P<0.25. The study also showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of malaria parasite among the primigravidae 20 (25%) when compared with multigravidae 40 (50%). The result of the study revealed a high burden of malaria parasite among pregnant women. This suggests that there is need for health education especially on malaria preventive measures in other to avert the complications associated with mother to child transmission of malaria parasite.