M-K Kalenga1, M-K Nyembo, M Nshimba, J-M Foidart. 1. Unité Santé de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo. kalengamk@hotmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factors (malaria and intestinal helminthiasis) in high risk groups of Lubumbashi, Congo, particularly in pregnant and breast-feeding women and children aged 1-2 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March to May 2002, 632 pregnant women, 570 breast-feeding women, and 570 infants (1-2 years) were examined in three medical centers in Lubumbashi, Congo. Some of the subjects lived in deprived semi-urban areas (Bongonga and Sendwe), others in urban areas with a satisfactory socio-economic situation (University Clinic). RESULTS: Overall frequency of anemia was estimated between 50 and 80% in the study populations. The proportion of anemic cases was clearly higher in the Sendwe and Bongonga populations (70-80%) than in the other urban populations (50%) (P<0.01). For the three categories of examined subjects, anemia was found to be most prevalent among pregnant women (P<0.05). Anemia was found to be associated with malaria in 40% of the patients and with intestinal parasitism (ascaris / ankylostoma) in 9%. CONCLUSION: Considering these results, systematic screening and treatment of anemia and associated factors such as malaria and intestinal helminthiasis is needed for the Lubumbashi population.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factors (malaria and intestinal helminthiasis) in high risk groups of Lubumbashi, Congo, particularly in pregnant and breast-feeding women and children aged 1-2 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March to May 2002, 632 pregnant women, 570 breast-feeding women, and 570 infants (1-2 years) were examined in three medical centers in Lubumbashi, Congo. Some of the subjects lived in deprived semi-urban areas (Bongonga and Sendwe), others in urban areas with a satisfactory socio-economic situation (University Clinic). RESULTS: Overall frequency of anemia was estimated between 50 and 80% in the study populations. The proportion of anemic cases was clearly higher in the Sendwe and Bongonga populations (70-80%) than in the other urban populations (50%) (P<0.01). For the three categories of examined subjects, anemia was found to be most prevalent among pregnant women (P<0.05). Anemia was found to be associated with malaria in 40% of the patients and with intestinal parasitism (ascaris / ankylostoma) in 9%. CONCLUSION: Considering these results, systematic screening and treatment of anemia and associated factors such as malaria and intestinal helminthiasis is needed for the Lubumbashi population.
Authors: Alfonso J Rodríguez-Morales; Rosa A Barbella; Cynthia Case; Melissa Arria; Marisela Ravelo; Henry Perez; Oscar Urdaneta; Gloria Gervasio; Nestor Rubio; Andrea Maldonado; Ymora Aguilera; Anna Viloria; Juan J Blanco; Magdary Colina; Elizabeth Hernández; Elianet Araujo; Gilberto Cabaniel; Jesús Benitez; Pedro Rifakis Journal: Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol Date: 2006
Authors: Lawrence Muhangi; Patrick Woodburn; Mildred Omara; Nicholas Omoding; Dennison Kizito; Harriet Mpairwe; Juliet Nabulime; Christine Ameke; Linda A Morison; Alison M Elliott Journal: Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg Date: 2007-06-06 Impact factor: 2.184