Prevalence and risk factors of acquired aplastic anemia among men aged 15 years and above referred for hematological consultation at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital Zimbabwe 2020–2022: A case-control study

Introduction: Data on aplastic anemia (AA) is currently very scarce in Africa and Zimbabwe, despite rising cases of acquire aplastic anemia (AAA) observed among young men. We explore AAA risk factors, hematological parameters, patient prevalence, and control. Materials and Methods: This is a case-control study. We reviewed cases of AAA admitted in a referral hospital receiving hematological consultation in Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital Zimbabwe 2020–2022. Male patients 15 years and above were grouped into two groups: AAA cases and controls selected from the same institute admitted for other hematological conditions. Hematological characteristics, sociodemographic, and exposure risk factors were compiled. Odds ratios and 95% CI were computed. Records including’ full blood count, peripheral smear, occupation, and underlying conditions were presented as mean, percentage, chi-square test, and t-test were set at P < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Most AAA were in the age range of 24–30. Urban residency is significantly associated with AAA; 100% of AAA have no history of familial AA. No statistical significance in hematological parameters was observed between AAA cases and control by chi-square and t-test. The global prevalence of AAA was 27%, 5.59% had hepatitis, 4.34% were HIV positive, 2.27% had prostate cancer, and 36 AAA cases had pancytopenia. The chi-square test indicated risk factors medication, chloramphenicol, HIV, and hepatitis are not associated with AAA at the opposite of pancytopenia 36 points of AAA (82%). Conclusion: No significant difference in the hematological parameter in AAA cases versus control. The prevalence of AAA was 27%, which is high compared to other African countries. The majority of AAA cases have pancytopenia (82%). Residency, age, hepatitis, and HIV risk factors were related to AAA.