Magnitude and predictors of anemia among preschool children (36-59 months) in Atingo town, Jimma, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Anemia is a serious public health concern that affects more than 25% of the world's population. It is still widespread and at its most severe in Ethiopia. This study pointed to identify the magnitude and predictors of anemia in preschool children in Atinago. A structured interview and anthropometric metrics had been used in a cross-sectional study to collect data from 309 preschool children using a systematic sampling strategy from May 10 to June 25, 2022. Frequencies, percentages, means, and a bar chart were created as descriptive statistics. Factors that were significant at the 25% level in univariate analysis were run through multiple logistic models. Odds ratios with respective 95% confidence intervals were developed to determine the relevant predictors. The majority (51.7%) of preschool children in Atinago town had anemia. The finding reveals that poor dietary diversity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-3.07), children from families with food insecurity (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.31-3.9), child-mothers used iron folate for less than 3 months during pregnancy (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.07-3.48), households with more than five children (AOR = 1.880, 95% CI = 1.12-3.18), and stunted children (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.05-3.01) were highly susceptible to anemia. The findings indicate that anemia was a serious issue among preschool children in Atinago. Therefore, stakeholders should provide community-based nutrition training on consuming diverse diets, dietary improvements in the home, consuming iron-rich meals, and the like; encourage mothers to participate in early ANC follow-up; and strengthen activities aimed at identifying households with food insecurity status.