Retrospective Study of Malaria Burden and Pregnancy Associated Outcomes in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria (2019-2024)

Abstract

Despite implementation of preventive strategies, the burden of malaria in pregnancy persists. A six-year retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Kubwa General Hospital and Maitama District Hospital, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria covering January 2019 to December 2024. Medical records of 101,186 patients were reviewed, including 25,578 women (7,882 pregnant and 17,696 non-pregnant). Data on malaria prevalence, seasonal patterns, age distribution, gravidity, and pregnancy outcomes were extracted from hospital records. Overall malaria prevalence was 62.1%, with Kubwa General Hospital recording significantly higher rates (67.9%) than Maitama District Hospital (49.4%) (p<0.001). Malaria prevalence was markedly lower among pregnant women (11.4%) compared to non-pregnant women (45.5%) (p<0.001). Seasonal variation was significant, with higher prevalence during rainy season (68.4%) than dry season (59.1%) in the general population (p<0.001), and similarly among pregnant women (12.2% vs 10.7%). Among 897 malaria-positive pregnancies, adverse outcomes included low birth weight (12.7%), miscarriage (12.0%), stillbirth (9.9%), and preterm birth (8.6%). A total of 30 malaria-related maternal deaths were recorded over the study period, with a significant downward trend (p=0.003). The results highlight the need for intensified malaria control efforts, improved IPTp-SP coverage, and integrated maternal health services that address the multiple determinants of adverse pregnancy outcomes in malaria-endemic settings

Keywords: Malaria burden Pregnancy, Morbidity, Mortality, Seasonal variation, Abuja.