Abstract
BackgroundAnemia is a major health problem in the worldwide. Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. However, there was a limited finding in our study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five age children in Shanan Gibe Hospital (SGH), Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution based cross sectional study was conducted at SGH, Ethiopia using consecutive convenient sampling technique during 1 January to 30 April, 2021. Data was collected by interviewing and capillary blood was taken from the fingertip for hemoglobin determination by using HaemoCue digital photometer. Additionally, stool sample was processed using wet mount and formal-ether concentration technique. Then after, the data were entered to Epidata version 3.1 and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Factors associated with anaemia were assessed by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model by considering P < 0.05 as statistical significance.ResultsA total of 368 under five children were recruited to the study and the current prevalence of anemia was 48.9%. Of this anemia, 25.0% mild, 15.8% moderate and 8.2% were severely anemic. More ever, being rural resident (AOR = 6.11; 95% CI = 1.49–8.99, P = 0.002), family low income (AOR = 6.27, 95% CI = 1.35–11.43, P = 0.004), family size greater than five (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI =1.47–7.11, P = 0.002) and intestinal parasite infections such as Enteameoba histolytica (AOR =3.37; 95%CI = 2.16–11.31, P = 0.005), Hookworm (AOR = 6.09; 95%CI = 2.37–11.56, P = 0.001), and Trichuris trichuria (AOR = 2.79; 95%CI = 1.45–9.13, P = 0.002) (P < 0.05) were factors significantly associated with anemia among under five children.ConclusionThe current prevalence of anemia among under five age children is relatively high. On the other hand, the rural residence, large family size, low family income, infection with Enteameoba histolytica, hookworm and Trichuris trichuria were the identified factors associated with anemia among under five children. Therefore, there should be massive and routine deworming program in addition to imperative targeting anemia prevention, and nutritional supplementation to reduce the burden of anemia.
Highlights
IntroductionBecause of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries
Anemia is a major health problem in the worldwide
Anemia affects all age group especially, under-five age children from low income families have a higher risk for developing anemia due to iron deficiency that occurs as a result of high demand for iron during the period of rapid growth [9]
Summary
Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. It is considered to be a serious public health problem in Sub Saharan Africa in which, approximately 83.5 million children was affected and its prevalence of anemia was 67% [6]. Anemia is a public health problem affecting people in both developed and developing countries with bad consequences of human health as well as social and economic development. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality [8]. Anemia affects all age group especially, under-five age children from low income families have a higher risk for developing anemia due to iron deficiency that occurs as a result of high demand for iron during the period of rapid growth [9]
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