Anemia in the Internal Medicine Department of the Borgou-Alibori Departmental University Hospital Center: A 2025 Study

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia remains a major challenge in medical care, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate anemia in the Internal Medicine Department of the Borgou-Alibori Departmental University Hospital Center (CHUD/BA) in 2025. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component and prospective data collection conducted from January 1 to August 31, 2025. The study population consisted of adult patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Department of CHUD/BA who provided informed consent, either personally or through a relative. Anemia was the dependent variable. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with anemia. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 369 patients were included, with a mean age of 44.81 ± 16.98 years and a male predominance (56.91%). The prevalence of anemia was 72.63%. Anemia was moderate and microcytic in 57.46% and 42.91% of cases, respectively. Infectious causes accounted for 54.10% of anemia cases, predominantly bacterial infections. Among non-infectious causes, chronic kidney disease and solid malignant tumors were the most frequent, representing 53.66% and 30.08%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with anemia were asthenia, conjunctival pallor, melena, and malnutrition. Conclusion: The majority of patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Department in Parakou were anemic. The causes of anemia were multiple and heterogeneous.