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Published on: February 2, 2017

Factors associated with hemoglobin concentrations in pre-school children in Western Kenya: cross-sectional studies

Meghna R Desai1, Dianne J Terlouw, Arthur M Kwena

  • 1Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. mdesai@cdc.gov

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|February 25, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Childhood anemia in sub-Saharan Africa is prevalent, affecting over 70% of young children. Key risk factors include malaria, diarrhea, and nutritional deficiencies, necessitating early intervention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Anemia in early childhood in sub-Saharan Africa is a complex public health issue.
  • High prevalence rates of anemia are observed in young children in this region.
  • Understanding the multifactorial etiology is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and severity of anemia in children under 36 months.
  • To identify risk factors associated with low hemoglobin levels in an area of intense malaria transmission.
  • To inform early prevention strategies for severe anemia.

Main Methods:

  • Community-based cross-sectional surveys involving 2,774 children.
  • Regression analyses to compare mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations across covariate levels.
  • Assessment of anemia prevalence, malaria parasitemia, microcytosis, underweight, and diarrhea.

Main Results:

  • Anemia prevalence was 76.1% (without ITNs) and 71% (with ITNs).
  • Severe-moderate anemia affected 11% (non-ITN) and 8.3% (ITN) of children.
  • Anemia, malaria parasitemia, microcytosis, underweight, and diarrhea increased with age and were associated with Hb levels.

Conclusions:

  • Prevention of severe anemia must begin in infancy.
  • Integrated interventions including micronutrient supplementation, malaria control, and management of diarrheal diseases are recommended.
  • Risk factors identified include family size, fever, pale body, weakness, diarrhea, soil-eating, stunting, and malaria parasitemia.

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