Genotype Variants and Other Covariates are not significantly associated with Malaria Positivity Status among Pregnant Women visiting Two Public Health Facilities in Southwest, Nigeria

Malaria remains a disease of endemicity in Sub-Saharan African countries but most particular in Nigeria. Pregnant women are among the vulnerable group of individuals most affected by the disease. However, previous studies focused on the effect of genotype variants and other covariates on malaria status with emphasis on the entire population regardless of vulnerability levels. Hence as part of the effort in controlling malaria within a particular malaria-vulnerable group (e.g. pregnant women), this study investigates the effect of genotype variants, weight, height and temperature on malaria status.

A total of seven hundred and seven (707) pregnant women were recruited from two government healthcare facilities in Ibadan in Nigeria, for this study after necessary ethical approval and consent were obtained. Binary Logistic Regression was carried out using malaria positivity rate as dependent variable while genotype variants (AA, AC, AS, SC, SS), weight, height and temperature were the independent variables. The odd ratios were obtained for these independent variables as well as their level of statistical significance (p-values) in relation to malaria status.

The odds ratio for genotypes AA, AC, AS, SC and SS of being malaria positive were 1, 0.3, 0.04, -14 and -14, respectively. The odds ratio for weight, height and temperature to influence malaria positivity status were -0.01, -0.02 and 0.04, respectively. However, genotype variants, weight, height and temperature were not significantly associated with malaria positivity status.

These findings demonstrate that the only effective way of preventing malaria for pregnant women regardless of their genotype and other covariates, is to ensure the correct use of long lasting insecticidal treated nets and indoor residual spray. Also, all pregnant women should ensure that they carry out required antenatal care visits, that will include the administration of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy.