Maternal socio-demographic and anthropometric factors associated with childhood pathologies in infants in Conakry (Guinea): Analysis of a pediatric registry

This study aims to analyze the associations between maternal sociodemographic and anthropometric factors and the occurrence of childhood illnesses in infants aged 0 to 12 months attending the Saint Gabriel Dispensary in Matoto , Conakry, Guinea.  This retrospective analytical observational study examined 341 infant records registered between 2021 and 2024, in accordance with STROBE recommendations. Maternal data (age, education level, occupation, anthropometric measurements) and infant diagnoses (ICD-10 coded) were extracted from the pediatric registry. A subsample of 50 cases underwent a frequency analysis of symptoms, and 40 records included complete maternal sociodemographic data for multivariate analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using R 4.4, Labplot, and JASP software. Associations were estimated using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fever was the predominant pathology (90% of the 50 cases analyzed), followed by cough (24%), diarrhea (16%), vomiting (14%), and anorexia (8%). Of the 341 infants included, 70% came from the peri-urban neighborhoods of Matoto and Tombolia . Of the 40 mothers analyzed, 30% were under 20 years of age and 15% had no formal education. Maternal age under 20 years was associated with an increased risk of childhood anorexia (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.4–4.2) and diarrhea (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.1–3.0). A low level of maternal education (< 6th grade) was also associated with anorexia (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–3.1) and diarrhea (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.3–3.4). The mean mid-upper arm circumference of infants was 11.97 cm, indicating a significant nutritional risk. Maternal sociodemographic factors, including youth and low levels of education, are significantly associated with childhood illnesses in Conakry. Interventions targeting maternal education and infant nutritional monitoring are essential to reducing infant morbidity in Guinea.