Household Environment and Malaria in Pregnancy in Nigeria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted from person to person through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. It is associated with 11% of all maternal deaths and 70.5% of morbidity in pregnant women in Nigeria. Studies on malaria have focused largely on the susceptibility of children and treatment options for adults in general towards malaria, paying little attention to pregnant women and the environment where they live. This study investigated the relationship between the household environment and malaria in pregnant women in two selected Local Government Areas of Oyo state. The household environment was a key predictor in the prevention and treatment of malaria in both rural and urban areas of the state. Interventions and programmes aimed at reducing malaria in pregnancy, therefore, need to address means of providing basic amenities especially in the rural areas, as well as incentives to improve the income level of households. Without an improvement in the quality of the household environment, maternal morbidity and mortality will persist in the country.