A cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition in primary school children in the Tiko Health District, Cameroon.

Egbe Sarah Balle Tabi,Eric Achidi Akum,Samuel Nambile Cumber,Elvis Akwo Ngoh,Esum Mathias Eyong,Kenneth Okoth Juma

doi:10.11604/pamj.2019.32.111.15728

Abstract

IntroductionAnaemia and malnutrition are common health problems in developing countries with children being the most vulnerable. They have negative impacts on human performance, growth and development, in children, both as cause and consequences of disease. Although annual mass deworming and nutrition supplement strategies have been implemented in the Tiko Health District (THD), no study has been carried out to determine the prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition. The aim of this study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition among primary school children aged 5-15 years in the Tiko Health District.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in 10 randomly selected schools in the THD and a total of 400 school children were enrolled in the study. Body weight and height were measured using an electronic weighing scale and stadiometer respectively. Anthropometric indices: Height-for-Age Z scores (HAZ), Weight-for-Age Z scores (WAZ) and Body Mass Index-for-Age Z scores (BMIAZ) were analyzed and compared with WHO Growth Reference Standards using WHO Anthroplus software. Hemoglobin levels were determined using Urit-12 Haemoglobinometer and anaemia defined as Hemoglobin (Hb) < 11g/dl. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software.ResultsThe overall prevalence of malnutrition was 9.25%, prevalence of stunting 7.5% with 0.8% being severely stunted. The prevalence of wasting was 1% and underweight 0.7%. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 5%. Parents occupation and the absence of toilet were statistically associated with anaemia (P = 0.04 and P = 0.003). Age, floor type, absence of toilet and BMI were significantly associated with malnutrition (P = 0.00, P = 0.01, P = 0.02 and P = 0.003).ConclusionThis study revealed a low prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia which could be attributed to the deworming and nutrition supplement strategies which have been implemented.

Highlights

Anaemia and malnutrition are common health problems in developing countries with children being the most vulnerable
There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anaemia between males and females and this is consistent with the findings of Munisi et al (2014), Tchinda et al (2012) [22], who found out that there was no difference in the prevalence of anaemia between gender and age groups
Based on the findings of this study, we conclude as follows; the prevalence of anaemia in the Tiko Health District was 5%, prevalence of malnutrition was 9.25%, the risk factors associated with the development of anaemia were parents’ occupation and the absence of a toilet

Summary

Introduction

Anaemia and malnutrition are common health problems in developing countries with children being the most vulnerable. Annual mass deworming and nutrition supplement strategies have been implemented in the Tiko Health District (THD), no study has been carried out to determine the prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition. The aim of this study was designed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition among primary school children aged 5-15 years in the Tiko Health District. Anaemia affects populations in both rich and poor countries It is an indicator of both poor nutrition and poor health [1]. A 2008 WHO analysis reported that anemia affected 24.8% of the world’s population, including 42% of pregnant women, 30% of non-pregnant women and 47% of preschool children [3]. Normal Hb distributions vary with age, sex, and physiological status (such as pregnancy) and Hb levels has been shown to be influenced by age and parasite density [7]

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