Factors associated with the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women in the LEMBA health zone of Kinshasa/DRC

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Plateau health area of the Lemba Health Zone in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, with the aim of analyzing the factors associated with the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women. It also assessed the financial impact of this disease on households and its effect on preparations for childbirth. A sample of 228 pregnant women was recruited on an ad-hoc basis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with Epi Info7 software. The results reveal that a significant proportion (78.9%) of participants reported having experienced an episode of malaria during their pregnancy. Monitoring fetal growth was the primary reason for prenatal care for 31.6% of women. The majority of respondents (86%) owned a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN), and 78.3% reported using it regularly. The cost of malaria treatment was considered high by 64.9% of respondents, and 68.4% indicated that this expense affected their preparations for childbirth. Several factors, such as the frequency of prenatal visits, the use of mosquito nets, and the presence of mosquitoes in the environment, were significantly associated with confirmed cases of malaria infection (p < 0.05). Our study also allowed us to understand the importance of a healthy environment, as large-scale mosquito reproduction is due to: Uncleaned gutters, stagnant water, uncollected public waste, etc. Knowing that mosquitoes are the primary vectors of malaria. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies and improve access to malaria control measures for pregnant women in order to reduce morbidity and mortality related to this disease.