The epidemiological landscape of anemia in women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa

Esteban Correa-Agudelo,Godfrey N. Musuka,Zindoga Mukandavire,F. DeWolfe Miller,Hae-Young Kim,Frank Tanser,Diego F. Cuadros

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-91198-z

Abstract

The role of geographical disparities of health-related risk factors with anemia are poorly documented for women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to determine the contribution of potential factors and to identify areas at higher risk of anemia for women in reproductive age in SSA. Our study population comprised 27 nationally representative samples of women of reproductive age (15–49) who were enrolled in the Demographic and Health Surveys and conducted between 2010 and 2019 in SSA. Overall, we found a positive association between being anemic and the ecological exposure to malaria incidence [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.02], and HIV prevalence (AOR = 1.01, CI 1.01–1.02). Women currently pregnant or under deworming medication for the last birth had 31% (AOR = 1.31, CI 1.24–1.39) and 5% (AOR = 1.05, CI 1.01–1.10) higher odds of having anemia, respectively. Similarly, women age 25–34 years old with low education, low income and living in urban settings had higher odds of having anemia. In addition, underweight women had 23% higher odds of suffering anemia (AOR = 1.23, CI 1.15–1.31). Females with low levels of education and wealth index were consistently associated with anemia across SSA. Spatial distribution shows increased risk of anemia in Central and Western Africa. Knowledge about the contribution of known major drivers and the spatial distribution of anemia risk can mitigate operational constraints and help to design geographically targeted intervention programs in SSA.

Highlights

Anemia is a major worldwide blood disorder related to an abnormally low concentration of hemoglobin protein in red blood cells (RBC)
This study aims to: (a) assess the contribution of potential risks factors and comorbidities associated with anemia for women in reproductive age; and (b) identify the locations where the burden of the disease is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
This study provides a comprehensive characterization of health and sociodemographic determinants of anemia, and the identification of geographic areas where the burden of anemia in women of reproductive age is concentrated in SSA

Summary

Introduction

Anemia is a major worldwide blood disorder related to an abnormally low concentration of hemoglobin protein in red blood cells (RBC). In SSA, anemia frequently co-occur with other health conditions and comorbidities, including infectious diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and H IV4–7. Some studies have assessed the geographical variation of anemia and the contribution of malnutrition, malaria, and helminth infections in preschool children in SSA9, and among male populations in India[10]. The high burden of anemia in SSA and the presence other health-related conditions require additional efforts from governments to identify, track, and tailor interventions on vulnerable populations and geographic areas where the burden of anemia is concentrated. This study aims to: (a) assess the contribution of potential risks factors and comorbidities associated with anemia for women in reproductive age; and (b) identify the locations where the burden of the disease is concentrated in SSA.

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion