Date of Conferral

8-27-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Heba  Athar

Abstract

Malaria during pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Cameroon, affecting maternal health and birth outcomes. Despite preventive measures, disparities exist among socioeconomic groups and between urban and rural areas. The study was guided by the social-ecological model and explored how socioeconomic factors and geographic location influence malaria infection in pregnant women. Specifically, the impact of wealth index, maternal education, and healthcare access on infection rates, considering maternal age, parity, and residence, was examined. Quantitative data from the Cameroon DHS Phase 8 were used (N=1204). The sample included pregnant women with valid malaria test results. Chi-Square tests and binary logistic regression were used to examine associations and estimate adjusted effects. Wealth index, maternal education, and healthcare access were not significantly associated with malaria infection in adjusted models, which ranged from p = .077 to p = .852. In contrast, geographic location was a strong independent predictor: pregnant women in rural areas had 4.5 times higher odds of malaria infection compared to those in urban areas (AOR = 4.50, 95% CI [3.287, 6.256], p =.001). This elevated risk suggests that environmental exposure, vector density, and gaps in rural health service delivery play a more influential role than socioeconomic position. Findings highlight the need for targeted rural interventions, improved antenatal services, and policies that address environmental risks.

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