The Perception of Mothers on Malaria, Toxoplasmosis and Their Pathological Consequences in The Mother and Baby at Hajjah Saudi Hospital, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a parasitic disease that causes morbidity and mortality in many areas of the world especially in Yemen and particularly in Hajjah. It is characterized by febrile manifestation, liver inflammation, and anemia. Toxoplasmosis is another parasitic infection caused by an obligate intracellular parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) and is found in many countries of the world. It causes spontaneous abortion in pregnant women and hydrocephaly in new-born babies. Malaria and Toxoplasmosis co-infections can cause serious pathological consequences on both mother and fœtus. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, toxoplasmosis, and malaria and toxoplasmosis coinfection in pregnant women during ante natal consultations at Hajjah Saudi Hospital, Yemen, and to assess their knowledge of the pathological consequences of malaria, toxoplasmosis, and coinfection on the mother and baby. Results: It was a cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected by finger-prinking and structured questionnaires were dministered to 226 pregnant women. The results showed that 39.38 %, 23 % and 8.4 % of women tested positive for malaria, toxoplasmosis and coinfection respectively. Only 36.25 % of pregnant women had a good knowledge of toxoplasmosis, 67.25 % for malaria and 85.39 % for coinfection. The most commonly cited consequence of these infections was spontaneous abortion. The results obtained showed a significant association between the level of education and the level of knowledge of women about toxoplasmosis and coinfection of toxoplasmosis and malaria (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The studies have revealed the need for continouos education on toxoplasmosis for pregnant women and girls of childbearing age, and more comprehensive preventive measures. The implementation of public health and education policies that take into account economic, social, environmental, and cultural differences are of prime importance.