Abstract
Despite global efforts made to address anaemia, the prevalence remains high in most Sub-Saharan African countries. In Ethiopia, anaemia poses a very strong public health concern. The purpose of the present study was to examine the key risk factors related to anaemia among children aged 6-24 months (younger age group) and 25-59 months (older age group). We used the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data, collected from 11 023 mothers with under five children. Ordered logistic regression modelling was used for assessing risk factors of childhood anaemia. The results suggest that the prevalence of anaemia was 72 % in the younger and 49 % in the older age groups. The risk factors for anaemia in the younger age group were morbidity (odds ratio (OR) 1⋅77; CI 1⋅21, 2⋅60), having no piped water source (OR 1⋅76; CI 1⋅07, 3⋅01) and no toilet facility (OR 1⋅60; CI 1⋅07, 2⋅38). The key risk factors for anaemia in the older age group were no micronutrient intake (OR 1⋅69; CI 1⋅23, 2⋅31), having a young mother (15-24 years old) (OR 1⋅35; CI 0⋅84, 1⋅91) and a non-working mother (OR 1⋅50; CI 1⋅15, 1⋅96). Anaemia also varied by region, place of residence and economic factors. Multiple factors contributed to the high prevalence of anaemia. Given the structural problem that the country has intervention strategies should consider the unique characteristics of regions and rural residences where the prevalence of anaemia is above the national average.
Highlights
Children under the age of five are most severely impacted by anaemia when compared to other population groups[1]
The present study examined key predictors and prevalence of childhood anaemia in Ethiopia based on nationally representative data
Our analysis reveals that a combination of child, maternal, household and community-level factors are contributing factors for the high prevalence of childhood anaemia in Ethiopia
Summary
Children under the age of five are most severely impacted by anaemia when compared to other population groups[1]. Despite measures to address this health concert, anaemia continues to persist as one of the most prevalent public health concerns in several African and Asian countries. In 1995, the global prevalence of anaemia in children under the age of five soared at 47 %; yet, in 2011, the prevalence only decreased by 4 %. In East Africa, it reached a staggering 55 %(1), while in Ethiopia, the prevalence of anaemia in young children was estimated to be as high as 72 %(2). In a recent meta-analysis, anaemia in school-age children nationally estimated to be 23 %. It is important to note that this value fluctuates regionally, and in some locations, it can be upward of 44 %(3)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
