Prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Anaemia in pregnancy is a significant public health problem worldwide. In Burkina Faso, data on prevalence are relatively old, and the associated factors are poorly documented. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women from Bobo-Dioulasso city in Burkina Faso.  

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2022 among 288 pregnant women from the Centre Médical Urbain de Lafiabougou. Sociodemographic and antenatal care visit data were collected. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using a Hemocue. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore potential factors associated with anaemia.

The mean age of the women was 25.25 ± 6.33 years. The mean haemoglobin level was 10.68 ± 1.29 g/dL. The prevalence of anaemia was 55.20% (95% CI: [46.96%-64.50%]). Mild anaemia was more frequent (28.1%) than moderate anaemia (26.7%) and severe anaemia (0.4%). The second trimester of pregnancy (adjusted OR = 1.75; 95% CI: [1.04-2.95]) and microscopic malaria infection (adjusted OR = 4.37; 95% CI: [2.44-7.83]) were the factors associated with anaemia.

Gestational anaemia remains a severe public health problem in Bobo-Dioulasso city. Decisive action to prevent malaria from the second trimester onwards is urgently needed to reduce the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women.