Prevalence of placental Plasmodium falciparum malaria and associated factors among pregnant women in health facilities in Eastern Uganda

Abstract Background Placental malaria remains a significant contributor to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in malaria endemic settings globally. This study investigated the prevalence of placental malaria and associated factors among pregnant women delivering in Health facilities in Mayuge district, eastern Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in health facilities in Mayuge district. Blood samples were collected into EDTA tubes from the maternal side of the placenta. Thin and thick blood smears were prepared and stained with 10% Giemsa and screened for malaria parasites using microscopy. The blood samples were further screened for sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum parasites using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Interview data was collected using a questionnaire which collected data on sociodemographic factors, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, malaria prevention practices and use of antimalarial agents. The data was captured using an online platform and transferred into STATA version 17 for analysis. The analysis was done at 95% level of significance. Results A total of 180 participants were recruited into the study and had an average age of 23.2 ± 5.8. The proportion of participants with placental malaria by microscopy, qPCR was 11.67% (95% CI 7.71%–17.28%) and 23.89% (95% CI 18.19%—30.71%), respectively. Being between 15-to-19 years of age and those who did not attend any antenatal care during pregnancy were significantly associated with an increased odds of having placental malaria (aOR: 5.87, p = 0.023) and (aOR: 4.27, p = 0.011), respectively. Conclusion Placental malaria is common among pregnant women delivering in health facilities in eastern Uganda. Having less than three antenatal care visits is significantly associated with placental malaria among pregnant women. The Ministry of Health and development partners need to provide awareness to the population to help increase ANC attendance among pregnant women in communities.