Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia and malaria among pregnant women at first clinic visit in the mount Cameroon Area

Pregnant women in malaria endemic areas are at high risk of P. falciparum infection and its complications. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for P. falciparum infection and malaria among pregnant women reporting for first antenatal care (ANC) clinic visit in the mount Cameroon area. Venous blood samples from consented pregnant women were screened for malaria parasitaemia by light microscopy. Haemoglobin levels, white blood cell (WBC) counts, lymphocyte counts and percentage were determined using an automated haematology analyser. Socio-demographic/economic data, environmental factors and use of malaria control measures were documented. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used. Sixty-eight (22.4%; N = 303) of the women enrolled were positive for P. falciparum parasitaemia. Malaria parasitaemia was significantly (P