%0 Journal Article
%A Mohamedine, Ouldbezeid Mohamedine
%A M, Salka Mohamed M
%A Moulay, Mohamed Mahfoud Moulay
%A Makhalla, Khatri Makhalla
%A Khalifa, Isselmou Khalifa
%A Moukah, Mohamed Ouldabdallahi Moukah
%D 2025
%J African Journal of Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology

%@ 1987-1473

%V 3
%N 1
%P 2

%T Prevalence and Determinants of Neonatal Anemia in a Tertiary Hospital in Nouakchott, Mauritania
%M doi:10.35995/ajpme03010002
%U https://ajpme.jams.pub/article/3/1/285
%X Introduction: Neonatal anemia remains a significant yet under-recognized public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings. Neonatal anemia is characterized by a decreased hemoglobin level in the blood of newborns. Its complications include tissue hypoxia and delayed neurodevelopment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity, associated factors, and outcomes of anemia among hospitalized neonates in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and September 2021 among 242 neonates admitted to a tertiary hospital. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Anemia was defined based on WHO criteria. Statistical associations between anemia and potential risk factors were analyzed using Chi-squared tests. Results: The prevalence of neonatal anemia was 16.5%. Among anemic neonates, 52.2% had mild anemia, 37.5% moderate, and 10% severe. Low birth weight was present in 62.5% of anemic cases. Neonatal infections were diagnosed in 40% and Rhesus incompatibility in 22.5% of anemic newborns. Significant associations were found between anemia and neonatal infection (p = 0.03), as well as lack of maternal iron supplementation during pregnancy (p = 0.02). Management included antibiotics (40%), phototherapy (30%), and blood transfusion (15%). While 80% of anemic neonates recovered, 20% died during hospitalization. Conclusion: Neonatal anemia affects one in six hospitalized newborns in the Hôpital de l’Amitié of Nouakchott. It is associated with preventable risk factors such as infection and inadequate maternal iron supplementation. The wider aim of this research is to improve the rates of neonatal anemia in this setting.