[Anemia associated with malaria and intestinal helminthiasis in Lubumbashi]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factors (malaria and intestinal helminthiasis) in some high risk groups, especially in pregnant and breast-feeding women and in children aged 1-2 years old from within a deprived semi-urban population of Lubumbashi (Bongonga and Sendwe). These results were compared to those obtained from an urban population having a more satisfying socio-economic situation (University Clinics). The overall frequency of anemia in the subjects studied from the three centres varies from 50-80%. The proportion of anemic cases is clearly higher in the Bongonga and Sendwe populations (70-80%) than in that of the urban group (50%) (P < 0.05). Among all of the subjects examined, pregnant women are found to be the group with the highest proportion of anemic patients (P < 0.05). All things considered, anemia is associated with malaria in 40% of the cases and with intestinal parasitism (Ascaris and/or Ankylostome infestation) in 9%. Faced with such a situation, the strategy to fight against anemia and associated parasitosis demands and requires multi-disciplinary actions centred on health education, collective screening and specific anti-parasite treatment.