PREVALENCE OF HEMOGLOBINOSIS IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS: CASE OF THE CITY OF ABENGOUROU IN IVORY COAST

Introduction : Hemoglobinosis are hereditary conditions prevalent throughout the world. In Ivory Coast, according to the work of Cabannes (CABANE, 1979), the prevalence of hemoglobins S and C is 12%. These conditions frequently associated with anemia constitute a public health problem.Most data on hemoglobinosis still come from hospital information systems, and not from community settings. It is in this context that our study takes place, the general objective of which is to characterize anemia and hemoglobinosis S and C in schools.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. It was carried out with students registered for the 2020-2021 academic year in three primary schools in the Abengourou department (eastern Ivory Coast). For each participant, a venous blood sample was used to carry out biological examinations, namely the hemogram, the rapid diagnostic orientation test (HemoTypeSCTM) and the electrophoresis of hemoglobin on cellulose acetate at alkaline pH.

Results: We identified 298 children aged on average 9 ± 2 years (5 to 15 years) and a sex ratio of 1.1.The average hemoglobin level was 10.99 ±1.08 g/dL with extremes from 5.60 g/dl to 13.70 g/dl. The prevalence of anemia was 73.49%. It was mainly a moderate anemia of the normochromic normocytic type.The prevalence of hemoglobinosis was 15.77% with a prevalence of 7.72% and 8.05% respectively for Hb S and Hb C. There were 1.68% for major sickle cell syndromes, 6.04% of AS trait and 7.05% of AC trait.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hemoglobinosis in schools in the Abengourou region was high with 16% of hemoglobinosis. We identified 13% of healthy AC and AS carriers. The continuation of this work in the community environment and throughout the Ivorian territory will allow the updating of data and advocacy for the mobilization of resources with a view to better management of hemoglobinopathies.