Prevalence and factors associated with anemia in pregnant women seen at the first prenatal consultation in areas of high malaria transmission in the Dioïla health district, Mali, 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is a public health problem, especially in low-income countries such as Mali. Mali is one of the countries with highest prevalence in Africa, with 62%. This study was carried out to estimate this prevalence in an area of high malaria transmission and the associated factors. Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out in the Dioïla health district from September to December 2022. Hemoglobin levels were determined using HemoCue 301. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The measure of association was the Odds Ratio with a 95% CI and a significance level of 5%. Results: The study involved 829 pregnant women with an average age of 25.5 (Confidence Intervale 95% CI :25.1; 25.9) years. Bambara women were the most represented, as were polygamous partners. Anemia has a prevalence of 59% (365/620) in Dioila, with a variation between rural and urban areas as well as between age groups. Factors associated with anemia were the woman's aged 19-24 years [OR=1.71 (95% CI: 1.01-2.94)], the average profile of pregnant women [OR=1.99 (95%CI: 1.34-2.99)] and malaria infection during pregnancy [OR=2.39 (95%CI:1.52-3.83)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia remains high within pregnant women in areas of high malaria transmission. The young age of the women, their average profile and the presence of malaria infection favored the occurrence of anemia.  [OR=1.71 (95% CI: 1.01-2.94)], the average profile of pregnant women [OR=1.99 (95%CI: 1.34-2.99)] and malaria infection during pregnancy [OR=2.39 (95%CI:1.52-3.83)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia remains high within pregnant women in areas of high malaria transmission. The young age of the women, their average profile and the presence of malaria infection favored the occurrence of anemia.