Nearly half of the patients are anemic: seasonal and demographic patterns in rural Madagascar
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EJTCM_2026_9_1_Kasprowicz.pdf (551.95 KB)
0000-0001-6357-2418 Date
2026-03-08
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Gdański Uniwersytet Medyczny
Abstract
Background: Anemia is a major public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa, but data from rural Madagascar are scarce. This study assessed monthly anemia prevalence and demographic and seasonal patterns in northern Madagascar. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of hemoglobin levels of patients routinely tested at a secondary-level rural referral clinic in Manerinerina (Madagascar) between January and December 2024. Hemoglobin was measured using automated methods and anemia in adults was defined as < 12.0 g/dL. Monthly prevalence and demographic associations were examined using chi-square tests and odds ratios (ORs). Results: Among the 1714 patients, 45.4% (n = 778) were anemic. Children < 15 years of age had the highest prevalence (boys 79.3%, girls 74.6%) and more than six-fold higher odds of anemia than adults aged 15-49 (OR 6.24, 95% CI 4.80-8.11). Women were more often anemic than men (48.9% vs. 40.6%; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.15-1.70). Monthly prevalence peaked during the rainy season: December (60.2%) to March (24.0%). Conclusions: Anemia is highly prevalent in this rural Malagasy population, particularly among children and women of reproductive age. Pronounced seasonal variation suggests that cyclical food insecurity substantially increases vulnerability to anemia. Strengthening routine screening and access to qualified healthcare providers should be prioritized, particularly during the rainy season.
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Kasprowicz D, Rajaomalala F. Nearly half of the patients are anemic: seasonal and demographic patterns in rural Madagascar. Eur J Transl Clin Med. 2026;9(1):27-35