An analysis of the determinants of anaemia in pregnant women in rural Malawi—a basis for action

Association of anemia, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia with seasonality: A realist systematic review

“…1 Despite some of these findings linking eclampsia to seasonality, the etiology of eclampsia is still poorly understood (Jamelle, 1998;Soroori et al, 2007;Elongi et al, 2011). Many of the studies attributed eclampsia and even anemia to poor antenatal health (Hoestermann et al, 1996;Verhoeff et al, 1999;Anya, 2004;Jamelle, 1998;Halimi et al, 2010). Though it is clear how antenatal care could be beneficial to anemia, there is conflicting data on whether antenatal care reduces pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in developing countries (Moodley and Daya, 1993;Prual et al, 2000).…”

“…Contrarily, Hounton et al (2008) found that malaria prevalence was highest during the dry season in Mouhoun, Burkina Faso. Seven of the authors established a link between birth parity, seasonality and maternal outcomes (Hoestermann et al, 1996;Bouvier et al, 1997;Granja et al, 1998;Ndyomugyenyi and Magnussen, 1999;Verhoeff et al, 1999;Bondevik et al, 2000;Hammerich et al, 2002). They found that seasonal patterns had an effect on anemia, which corresponds with malaria transmission, and was exacerbated for primigravidae during the rainy season.…”

“…One year earlier, Hoestermann et al (1996), suggested that anemia is a contributory cause of illness in 41.3% of all maternal deaths, including deaths from malaria. Granja et al (1998) also established the link between anemia and malaria through corresponding seasonal variations as did Verhoeff et al (1999), and Ndyomugyenyi and Magnussen (1999). Anya (2004) found that a 7-15 fold increase in malarial parasites in the blood during the rainy season (peak malaria transmission) resulted in an eight-fold increase in anemia during the malaria season (p o0.000001).…”

“…rainfall, temperature), in addition to monthly seasonal patterns (Wacker et al, 1998;Soroori et al, 2007;Subramaniam, 2007;Fleming, 1970;Verhoeff et al, 1999;Bondevik et al, 2000;Ndyomugyenyi and Magnussen, 2001;Agobe et al, 1981;Crowther, 1985;Obed et al, 1994;Immink et al, 2008;Elongi et al, 2011).…”

“…Ndyomugyenyi and Magnussen (1999) adopted a double-blind placebo-controlled intervention study based off of baseline data. Verhoeff et al (1999), Obed et al (1994), Bouvier et al (1997) administered questionnaires, while four studies (Verhoeff et al, 1999;Bondevik et al, 2000;Fleming, 1970;Bouvier et al, 1997) examined hematocrit levels, necessitating blood samples. Finally, Etard et al (2003) interviewed the relatives of deceased women to inquire about the circumstances of death; this is known as the "sisterhood method".…”