Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors among pregnant women in Mogadishu, Somalia: a cross-sectional study
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Background
Asymptomatic Plasmodium infections during pregnancy can cause serious complications such as stillbirths, abortions, premature deliveries, and low birth weight infants. Furthermore, these silent infections hinder malaria control efforts as asymptomatic individuals can unknowingly transmit Plasmodium within communities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and its associated factors in pregnant women in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Methods
A cross-sectional investigation was conducted at Ayaan Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, involving 171 asymptomatic expectant mothers, selected via random sampling between February and March 2025. The data collection methods included questionnaires, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and microscopic examinations of blood samples. The statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, with statistical significance established at p < 0.05.
Results
Among the 171 pregnant women evaluated, 2.9% had asymptomatic Plasmodium infections, with P. falciparum was the only species detected in all positive cases. No significant associations were observed between infection and sociodemographic, obstetric, or malaria—prevention factors. However, younger age (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.03–2.23), urban residence (OR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.012–1.32), and ITN utilization (OR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.002–1.82) were associated with lower odds of infection, suggesting potential protective effects.
Conclusions
This study found a low prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women. While no factors were significantly associated with asymptomatic Plasmodium infection, the findings suggest that younger age, urban residence, and ITN utilization may have protective effects. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these observations.
