The Prevalence of Anaemia in Infants and Children Aged 2-59 Months Hospitalised in the Paediatric Ward of the CSREF CII in the District of Bamako

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia remains a public health problem in both industrialized and developing countries. Developing countries have the highest prevalence, especially in children. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia in children aged 2-59 months in the paediatric ward of the commune II health centre in Bamako. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study which took place from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018, i.e. a period of 2 years. All children aged 2 months to 59 months hospitalised with clinical anaemia who had a blood count or haemoglobin and/or haematocrit measurement hospitalised in the paediatric ward during the study period were included. Anemia was defined according to WHO criteria. The etiological search was guided by clinical signs and complementary examinations. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 16.63%. The age group 12 to 23 months was the most represented. The children were predominantly male (56%). The anaemia was severe in 50%, moderate and mild in 50%. The anaemia was predominantly microcytic and hypochromic in 68%. Fever was the first reason for consultation in 75% and malaria was the main pathology in 56%. The mortality rate of anaemic patients was 3%. Conclusion: Anemia is a real problem among children in commune II. The main etiology was malaria. Strengthening malaria prevention could reduce its incidence.