Prevalence and severity of anemia among school children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundAnemia is a major health problem worldwide. Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. Children and pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups to anemia. The aim of the present study was to determine the magnitude of anemia among school children.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey was conducted in January 2011 on 423 children, aged 6–14 years, selected through systematic random sampling method. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Capillary blood was taken from the fingertip of each child and hemoglobin was measured using HaemoCue digital photometer. All the necessary safety measures were taken during blood collection. Anthropometric indicators were measured using WHO’s guideline. Data analysis was made using SPSS Version 16.0 for Windows. The association between predictors and outcome variables were measured by a stepwise logistic regression model. Ethical permission was obtained; consent of the parents/guardian was taken and confidentiality was maintained.ResultA total of 404 children were studied. The mean age was 10.21(SD ± 1.89) years. The proportion of females was 217(53.7%). The mean hemoglobin level for both sexes was 11.59(SD ± 1.97 g/dl). The current prevalence of anemia was 152(37.6%), out of which, 73(18.1%) had mild while 79(19.6%) of them had moderate anemia. The prevalence of anemia among the age group of 6–11 years was 118(40.5%) while the prevalence among the group of 12–14 years old children was 34(30.1%). Among the selected variables in the logistic regression analysis, low family income [OR = 4.925, 95% CI(1.063,22.820)], mothers’ education [OR = 4.621, 95% CI(1.383,15.439)], intake of plant food [OR = 3.847, 95% CI(2.068, 7.157)] and intake of animal food [OR = 2.37, 95% CI(1.040,5.402)] were significantly and independently associated with anemia.ConclusionAnemia is a moderate public health problem in the study area. Family income, educational status of parents and inadequate plant and animal food intake are the predictors of anemia. Improving the economic status of the family, women education and health education about balanced animal and plant food consumption are recommended strategies to reduce the burden of anemia.

Prevalence of thalassaemia, iron-deficiency anaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among Arab migrating nomad children, southern Islamic Republic of Iran

“…This figure is consistent with previous reports in southern Islamic Republic of Iran (9-12), but is lower or higher than the prevalence found in other developing countries (13,14). The prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia in developed courtiers has declined in recent decades, but there has been little change in developing countries.…”

Prevalence and factors influencing anaemia among urban adolescent females, a cross sectional study

“…Assefa et al have reported a prevalence of 37.6% in their study of adolescent girls, which was slightly lesser than current study. 10 Out of which, 18.1% and 19.6% had mild and moderate anaemia respectively, but in the current study major proportion of anemia was mild. In study by Chaudhary et al 4 35.1% of the adolescent girls had anemia.…”

“…In study by Assefa et al the factors, which were associated with presence of anaemia were low family income, poor maternal education, and vegetarian diet. 10 Chaudhary et al have reported socio-economic status and literacy status of parents. 5 As the key factors associated with anemia.…”

Prevalence and factors associated with anthropometric failure, vitamin A and iron deficiency among adolescents in a Nigerian urban community

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