Prevalence and Hematological Patterns of Blood Disorders in Chitambo, Zambia: A Cross- Sectional Study Using CBC Testing

Abstract

Blood disorders, including anaemia, leukocyte abnormalities, and thrombocytopenia, represent a significant public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, yet community-level data in rural Zambia remain sparse. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of haematological disorders in Chitambo District, Zambia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 residents of Chitambo District, selected through systematic random sampling from the outpatient department of Chitambo District Hospital. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and a complete blood count (CBC) was performed for each participant. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used for data analysis in STATA version 14. The prevalence of anaemia was 37.0% (95% CI: 32.1–42.1%), leukocyte abnormalities 15.1% (95% CI: 11.6–19.3%), and thrombocytopenia 8.6% (95% CI: 5.9–12.0%). In adjusted analyses, anaemia was significantly associated with female sex, infrequent consumption of iron rich foods, lack of iron supplementation, and recent malaria episodes. Leukocyte abnormalities were associated with malaria and HIV-positive status. Thrombocytopenia was strongly predicted by recent malaria episodes. This study documented a high burden of haematological disorders in Chitambo District, driven by modifiable nutritional and infectious factors, with malaria playing a central role. These findings highlight the need for integrated public health interventions combining nutritional support, malaria control, and strengthened laboratory-based surveillance to improve haematological health outcomes in rural Zambia. Keywords: Anaemia, leukocyte abnormalities, thrombocytopenia, complete blood count, malaria, nutritional factors, Chitambo, Zambia, cross-sectional study