Anaemia in Pregnancy and Infections in Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Muhangi Lawrence, Woodburn Patrick, Omara Mildred, Omoding Nicholas, Kizito Dennison, Mpairwe Harriet, Nabulime Juliet, Ameke Christine, Morison Linda A., Elliott Alison M.
Primary Institution: MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute
Hypothesis
What are the associations between mild-to-moderate anaemia in pregnancy and helminth, malaria, and HIV infection?
Conclusion
Malaria and HIV are significant causes of anaemia in pregnant women, while helminths show little association.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of anaemia was 39.7% among the participants.
- 44.5% of women had hookworm, but it showed little association with anaemia.
- Malaria was associated with a 3.22 times higher odds of anaemia.
- HIV infection was associated with a 2.46 times higher odds of anaemia.
- Primigravidae were more likely to be anaemic than multigravidae.
- Socioeconomic status did not show a strong association with anaemia.
- Women with both malaria and HIV had a particularly high likelihood of being anaemic.
- Overall, helminths were not significant contributors to anaemia in this population.
Takeaway
This study found that pregnant women in Uganda with malaria or HIV are more likely to be anaemic, but having worms like hookworm doesn't seem to cause anaemia.
Methodology
The study assessed associations between anaemia and infections among 2507 pregnant women using logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of women with severe anaemia and reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study relied on a single stool sample for helminth detection, which may misclassify some infections.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mostly Baganda women, aged 14 to 47, with a mean age of 23.6 years; 85.1% had low personal income.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.43–4.26 for malaria, 95% CI 1.90–3.19 for HIV
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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