Antenatal Care Attendance, Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Occurrence of Malaria Parasite Infection at Parturition in Abeokuta, Nigeria

The detrimental effect of malaria during and/or after pregnancy cannot be over emphasized, and lot of efforts had been put in place in order to reduce its scourge. Antenatal Care (ANC) is a major tool in improving maternal and foetal health. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of ANC visit(s) against malaria infection at parturition with respect to ANC clinic attendance and Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) uptake among parturients who seek delivery services in two secondary health facilities in Abeokuta. Blood samples from maternal and placenta were collected from 211 parturients. Blood films were prepared, stained with 10% giemsa staining technique and observed for malaria parasites under the microscope. Relevant maternal demographic characteristics were obtained from the parturients and Chi-square tests were conducted to measure relationships using SPSS version 16.0. Generally, a high turnout of ANC attendance (97.2%) was recorded among the parturients seeking delivery in Abeokuta Nigeria. However, about 60% of the respondent’s made above 3 ANC visits. Maternal age was a significant factor (p<0.05) affecting booking timing (early or late) and number of ANC visits made by the parturients. Furthermore, Late attendance as well as attending <4 ANC clinics are associated (p<0.05) with incomplete doses of IPT which in turn increases susceptibility to Pregnancy associated malaria in Abeokuta Ogun State. None usage of IPT, late ANC booking and receiving first dose of IPT towards the end or after second trimester are significant factors (p<0.05) associated with Pregnancy associated malaria. The full benefit of attached with ANC services could not be utilized as a result of late and inconsistent attendance practiced by the parturients during pregnancy and this could result in poor outcomes.