PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF ANEMIA AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN WORABE COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPTAL: CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a low number of red blood cells or a low hemoglobin or hematocrit in which the hemoglobin content of the red blood cells is lower than normal range as a result of deficiency of one or more essential nutrients or due to heavy blood loss, parasitic infections and congenital hemolytic diseases. Due to various factors, children under the age of five and pregnant women are more affected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five children in Worabe comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Silte Zone, southern Ethiopia. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia in under-five children attending in Worabe Compressive Specialized Hospital, Silte Zone, southern Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June and 200 participants were enrolled in the study. A convenient sampling method were used to recruit the study participant. Sociodemographic and clinical data was collected through structured questionnaires. Two milliliters of blood were collected from each study participants to determine the level of anemia.The data was presented using tables and figures. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors. P-values less than 0.05 was also used to declare stastiscal significance. Result: The overall prevalence of anemia among under five children was 38% (76/200). Where, 44.74% had mild anemia, 39.47% had moderate anemia and 15.79% had severe anemia. Children who had history of malaria, history of intestinal parasitic infection, being male and maternal education is below read and write were more likely to become anemic. Conclusion; In general, the magnitude of anemia in under five children in worabe comprehensive specialized hospital was 38% indicative of the fact that anemia is an important public health problem. Malaria infection, intestinal parasite infection, educational status of the mother and child breast feeding were factors associated with anemia in those under five children. Therefore, integrated public health interventions need to be prioritized to improve the health status of children to prevent anemia among under five children. Health professionals should incorporate anemia and its consequences in their day to day health education program for mothers who are pregnant and coming to the health center for care.