Research Article
Salifou K, Obossou AAA, Sidi I
Abstract
Objective: Determine the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women in Parakou in 2014. Method: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical purpose. It had been conducted from July 1 to September 30, 2014. The included targets were pregnant women attending antenatal care in three public maternities of the District of Parakou. Results: A total of 352 women were included in our study. The mean age was 5.9 ± 25.7years. The most represented age group was the one between 20 and 24 years (29.5). The Bariba ethnic group was the most represented (30.7%). The largest religion was Christianity (49.1%). They were married in 96.3% of the cases and not educated in 54.0% of cases. More than 79.5% of them were unemployed or poorly paid. One hundred and forty two female patients (40.3%) were anemic, including 56.3% (95% CI = [47.8 to 64.6] %) and 43.7% (95% CI = [35.4 to 52.2] %) suffering from moderate and mild anemia respectively. No severe anemia was recorded. Hb level was between 7.3 and 16.0g / dl with a mean concentration of 11.6 g / dl and 1.7 ± Hct level between 22 and 48% with an average estimated at 34.4% ± 5.1). 2. Risk factors related to socio-demographic characteristics were Fulani ethnic group, grand multiparity, low educational level and socioeconomic conditions. During pregnancy, the use of mosquito net (p <0.001) reduced anemia prevalence in pregnant women while consumption of Calabar limestone (<0.001) contributed to it. Women were more exposed to anemia in the third quarter of pregnancy (<0.001) than in the first and second quarters. There was a significant association between occurrence of anemia and lack of consumption of fruits and vegetables at least once a day (²χ = 12.3 and p <0.001).