Abstract
Objective Childhood anemia remains a significant public health challenge in developing countries, and it has negative consequences on the growth of the children. Therefore, it is essential to identify the determinants of childhood anemia, as these will help in formulating appropriate health policies in order to meet the United Nations MDG goal. This study aims to assess and model the determinants of the prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Nigeria. To accomplish the aims of the study, the authors applied single-level and multilevel binary logistic regression models. Methods To measure the relative impact of individual and household-level factors for childhood anemia among children aged 6–59 months, this study undertakes data from Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys with both binary logistic and multilevel logistic regression models. The fit of the model was assessed by Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit, variance inflation factor, and likelihood ratio tests. Results The study established that about 67.01% of the children were anemic and identified sex of children, mother's education, religion, household wealth status, total children ever born, age of children, place of residence, and region to have a statistical significant effect on the prevalence of anemia. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for anemia was 0.56 (95% CI = 0.50, 0.63) in children aged from 24 to 42 months and 0.40 (95% CI = 0.36, 0.45) in children aged from 43 to 59 months. Also, children who reside in certain geographical-political zones of Nigeria are associated with increased childhood anemia. Conclusion This study has highlighted the high prevalence of childhood anemia in Nigeria and indicated the need to improve mothers' education and regional variations. Findings from this study can help policymakers and public health institutions to map out programs targeting these regions as a measure of tackling the prevalence of anemia among the Nigerian populace.
Highlights
About 60.94% of the children resides in rural communities, and the majority (59.63%) reside in the northern region of the country, of which northwest has the highest proportion (24.31%) (Table 1 for each covariate). e bivariate association between the anemia status of children aged 6–59 months and covariates was assessed, and the results are shown in (Table 2). e results highlighted the significant determinants of variation in the prevalence of anemia among children aged between 6 and 59 months
Female children have decreased odds of childhood anemia compared to male children (aOR 0.84). e findings of this study indicate that the child’s late age and his mother’s higher-level education were negatively associated with childhood anemia. e adjusted odds ratio for anemia was 0.56 in children aged from 24 to months and 0.40 in children aged from to 59 months
Confounding factors associated with childhood anemia were the sex of the child, ethnicity, place of residence, and region. e findings of this study showed a high prevalence of anemia among Nigeria children aged from 6 to 59 months, making this a serious public health issue. e results showed regional variations in the prevalence of childhood anemia among children aged 6–59 months, with the highest rate being observed in the Northern region of the country
Summary
1. Introduction e prevalence of anemia in children, those below the age of 5 years, continues to be a significant public health challenge globally without sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Introduction e prevalence of anemia in children, those below the age of 5 years, continues to be a significant public health challenge globally without sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) It is a severe concern for children because it can impair cognitive development and is associated with long-term health and economic consequences [1, 2]. Us, it is crucial to explore the latest Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data that is a national representative on children aged 6–59 months by measuring the relative impact of individual and contextual determinants of the prevalence of anemia across the region of the Nigeria model. The fit of the model was examined using variance inflation factor and likelihood ratio tests. us, it is crucial to explore the latest Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data that is a national representative on children aged 6–59 months by measuring the relative impact of individual and contextual determinants of the prevalence of anemia across the region of the Nigeria model. e goal is to use the findings from this study to inform and strengthen appropriate national policies and intervention strategies to reduce anemia among children in the country
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
