Global Journal of Medical Research, E: Gynecology and Obstetrics, Volume 21 Issue 3

associated with malaria to less than 10% by 2035 [12]. Thus, many measures have been taken, including free treatment and treatment of malaria. Thus, many measures have been taken, including the free treatment of children under 5 years old suffering from uncomplicated malaria by all health facilities and the free distribution of several million long- lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) [13,14]. There is a gap between the acquisition of LLINs and their use as well as adherence to their use in families with pregnant women and children. Universal coverage of LLINs remains a major challenge in malaria prevention in Cameroon. For this study, the following specific objectives were developed : 1. To determine the prevalence of gestational malaria taking into account the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants in Biyem-Assi; 2. To determine the effect of bednet use on Plasmodium infection in pregnant women in Biyem-Assi; 3. To determine the factors influencing bednet selection and use by pregnant women in Biyem-Assi. II. M aterials and M ethods a) Study Site Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon and capital of the Central Province is located 300 km from the Atlantic coast. It is surrounded by 7 hills, the highest of which are located on the West and North-West sides. Yaounde had an area of 13614 ha in 2002 and a population of about 2 million inhabitants in 2006. Its geographical boundaries are: to the west, the District of Mbankomo; to the east, the Division of Mefou-Afamba; to the south, the Division of Mefou-Akono; and to the north, the District of Okola [15]. The climate in the city of Yaounde is equatorial, characterized by the alternation of two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The average temperature is 23.5 o C (with a range of 16 o C and 31 o C depending on the season), and rainfall is 1650 mm of water per year. The average air humidity is 80% and varies during the day between 35 and 98%. Frequent winds (humid) blow in a south-westerly direction; strong winds are oriented towards the north-west. The vegetation is of the intertropical type with predominance of southern humid forest [15]. b) Target population, Data and Sample Collection The study population consisted solely of pregnant women receiving prenatal care (ANC) and who had voluntarily approved and signed the informed consent form. The criteria for non-inclusion were refusal to participate and failure to sign the informed consent form. The sample size was calculated according to Lorentz's formula as follows: N = (Z 2 ×P×Q)/d2 where Z is the statistical power (1.96); P is the estimated prevalence of disease; 23% based on Tonga et al. 2013 [16]; Q=1-P; d represents the level of significance (0.05). Substituting into the formula gives N = 272 pregnant women. To maximize sample collection and reliability of results, 350 women where issued consent forms and 302 gave consent and where enrolled in the study. Sample collection was carried out from July 25 to August 17, 2018. c) Questionnaire A pre-tested and validated questionnaire aimed at obtaining information on anthropometric, obstetric, environmental parameters and socio-demographic characteristics was given to each pregnant woman enrolled in the maternity ward. The information obtained was then recorded in a notebook, with a code assigned to each participant. i. Collection of blood samples The participant's code as well as the date was written directly on the slide. The finger was sanitized with an alcohol swab by massaging to stimulate blood circulation With a sterile lancet, the tip of the finger was pricked. By gently pressing the finger, two drops of blood were collected on the blade to be used for the thick film. The blood remaining on the finger was wiped off with absorbent cotton. With the corner of the second slide, the thick drop was made by bringing the two drops of blood together and spreading them in circular motion to form a uniform thick layer. The slides were air dried, stored in a slide box ready for staining. d) Staining of thick film Giemsa's dye was prepared from the stock solution. It was diluted at 1:20 (1 volume of Giemsa stock solution for 19 volumes of distilled water) and the mixture filtered through Whatman paper. The Giemsa was delicately poured into the staining trough until the slides were completely immersed. The slides were left to stain for 20 minutes. They were rinsed under running water. The slides were arranged to drain at an angle on a slide stand for 15 minutes for air drying. i. Observation of slides The slides were observed with the 100X objective (immersion objective) of the Light Microscope. The thick film was used for the detection and quantification of trophozoites. The parasites were counted against 200 leukocytes and the Parasitemia (parasites/µL of blood) was calculated by considering an average of white blood cells at 8000/µL of blood for each individual according to the following formula: Number of parasites counted × 8000 Parasitémie = --------------------------------------------- Number of leukocytes (200) 12 Year 2021 Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XXI Issue III Version I ( D ) E © 2021 Global Journals Gestational Malaria and Factors Influencing Mosquito Bed Net use among Pregnant Women in Biyem-Assi, Yaounde