Authors: Farah Naz Abbasi , Mahmoud Shaaban Abdelgalil

Abstract

Background: Anemia remains a public health challenge among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa, including Malawi. Yet, recent data on its prevalence and determinants among women in Malawi are lacking. Identification of the risk factors of anemia is essential for developing targeted interventions to reduce its burden.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of anemia among Malawian women aged 15-49.

Methodology: We performed a cross-sectional study of women aged 15-49 using data from the 2024 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey. We performed the statistical analysis with SPSS 24. We used the multivariable binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with anemia classes (mild, moderate, and severe). The results were reported using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: We found that 64.2% of women were non-anemic. Meanwhile, 20.1% had mild, 14.0% moderate, and 1.6% severe anemia. On performing the regression analysis, we found that women aged 20–24 (AOR: 0.668; 95% CI: 0.463–0.964), 25–29 (AOR: 0.605; 95% CI: 0.434–0.842), and 30–34 years (AOR: 0.599; 95% CI: 0.430–0.833) had significantly lower odds of anemia compared to those aged 45–49 years. Urban residence was protective (AOR: 0.690; 95% CI: 0.549–0.866). Normal-weight women had higher odds of anemia than obese women (AOR: 1.530; 95% CI: 1.140–2.055). Nulliparous women had higher odds than multiparous women (AOR: 1.769; 95% CI: 1.049–2.983). Not using intrauterine devices was associated with lower odds of anemia (AOR: 0.420; 95% CI: 0.253–0.698).

Conclusion: Anemia affected more than one-third of Malawian women, with significant sociodemographic, nutritional, and reproductive disparities. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce the burden of anemia among Malawian women.

Keywords: Anemia, Malawi, malnutrition, women’s health, DHS, sub-Saharan Africa.