Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five age children in Shanan gibe hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

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.