Perception of childhood anaemia among mothers in Kumasi: a quantitative approach

Abstract

BackgroundAnaemia is the world’s second cause of disability and it affects over half of pre-school children in developing countries and at least 30–40% in industrial countries. In poorer malaria-endemic countries, anemia is one of the commonest preventable causes of death in children under 5 years. This study sought to determine the perceived causes, signs and symptoms as well prevention of childhood anaemia among mothers of children under 5 years in Kumasi, Ghana.MethodsA descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study design with a sample of 228 patients attending the University Hospital, KNUST was used. A simple random sampling technique was applied in sampling and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS statistical tools.ResultsThe study found that anemia was mostly perceived to be caused by poor feeding practices (43%) and fever (37%). The signs and symptoms mentioned mostly were pale conjunctiva (47%) and pale palm (44%). It was suggested that it could be prevented by giving adequate nutrition (23%), regular deworming (19%) as well as exclusive breastfeeding (25%). Mothers education and the number of children were found to be associated with the perception regarding anaemia as respondents who had completed SHS/A level were 5.14 times likely to have a higher knowledge score on Anaemia (AOR = 5.14; 95% CI; 1.01–21.8). Also, mothers who had 5 to 6 children were 1.65 times likely to have higher knowledge score on Anaemia (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI; 0.02–2.32).ConclusionPrevious experience with Anaemia and higher educational level results in better understanding of Anaemia. Therefore, extensive health education on anemia should be undertaken by the hospital authorities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to improve knowledge of Anaemia.

Knowledge of basic school teachers on identification and support services for children with dyslexia

“…Three schools were randomly picked each from the three circuits or clusters giving a total of nine schools used for the study. Overall, twenty-three (23) kindergarten and primary schools were eligible for selection in the three circuits out of which nine (9) were randomly selected for the study. The circuits are the smaller units in the Ghanaian Educational system headed by a circuit supervisor whose role is to improve classroom teaching through ensuring child-centred approaches in teaching.…”

“…This formula for selecting a sample has been used in several previous studies [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26].…”

Alimentação, anemia e desnutrição em crianças em fase pré-escolar: uma revisão

“…Os , 2011). Dentre as várias doenças que podem acometer as crianças, pode-se citar a anemia ferropriva (ANOKYE et al, 2018). A anemia tem uma prevalência alta em todas as faixas etárias e no Brasil está presente tanto em populações carentes quanto populações de maior poder aquisitivo (DELLA LUCIA et al, 2016).…”

“…Corroborando com estes dados, Akodu, Disu, Njokanma, Kehinde (2016) concluíram que existe associação entre crianças que apresentam baixo peso por idade e por estatura a anemia por deficiência de ferro. Entretanto, Anokye et al, (2018), concluiu que a anemia pode ocorrer devido a práticas inadequadas de alimentação e pode ser evitada com uma nutrição adequada e desparasitação. Segundo os autores, crianças anêmicas devem receber tratamento precoce e manter a amamentação exclusiva até os seis meses.…”

“…Segundo os autores, crianças anêmicas devem receber tratamento precoce e manter a amamentação exclusiva até os seis meses. Neste estudo eles citam que o número de pessoas nos domicílios, a renda familiar, o nível de educação dos pais, o local de residência e instalações habitacionais, como acesso a água tratada e bens de consumo são fatores que interferem diretamente no desenvolvimento da doença (ANOKYE et al, 2018).…”