Publications

Malaria infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, particularly inregions with high transmission rates such as sub-Saharan Africa. This study, conducted at Fort Portal RegionalReferral Hospital in Uganda, aimed to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and socio-demographiccorrelates of malaria infection among pregnant women attending the Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic. Utilizing arobust descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from 400 participants through structuredquestionnaires and subjected to rigorous statistical analysis. The findings revealed a malaria prevalence rate of7.8% among the study population. Further analysis unveiled compelling associations between malaria infection andvarious socio-demographic factors. Notably, women aged 24-45 years constituted the majority of malaria-positivecases, highlighting a vulnerable age group. Additionally, lower levels of education, unemployment or selfemploymentstatus, and urban residence were significantly associated with higher rates of malaria infection.Primigravida and women in the second trimester emerged as particularly susceptible subgroups, indicatingheightened risk during specific stages of pregnancy. These findings underscore the urgent need for targetedinterventions aimed at reducing malaria burden among pregnant women in the study area. Effective healtheducation programs tailored to address the needs of vulnerable demographics, particularly primigravida andwomen in the second trimester, are imperative. Furthermore, the sustained distribution of insecticide-treatedmosquito nets remains paramount in combating malaria transmission. These interventions, informed by the sociodemographiccorrelates identified in this study, hold the potential to mitigate the adverse impact of malaria onmaternal and fetal health, contributing to improved pregnancy outcomes and overall public health in the region.Keywords: Malaria, pregnancy, antenatal care, prevalence, socio-demographic correlates, Fort Portal RegionalReferral Hospital, Uganda