Prevalence of anemia in non-severe malaria cases in Mâncio Lima, Acre

ABSTRACT

Malaria, a parasitic disease, is a serious public health problem. In Brazil, the majority of cases are found in the Amazon. The clinical manifestations of malaria depend on several factors and they may be related to the development of anemia. This study evaluated the prevalence of anemia in malaria cases and its associated factors. The study was conducted in Mâncio Lima (Acre, Brazil). Participants were chosen through passive detection of malaria cases in the municipal health services. They were interviewed and blood samples analyzed for Plasmodium detection and for hemoglobin measurement. SPSS 13.0, software was applied for statistical analysis. One hundred and twenty patients with malaria were studied, of which 58.3% male and 41.7% female. There was a 25% prevalence of anemia, mainly among the women, and in those presenting symptoms for more than four days as well as headaches. The prevalence of anemia and its associated factors in these malaria patients may be connected, not only to the infection, but also to previous or overlapping diseases