Prevalence of anemia among school children in Addis Ababa

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of anemia among school children and adolescents in Addis Ababa.

Three schools in Addis Ababa were selected. The schools are one primary school and two high schools.

A cross sectional survey was undertaken in three schools in the month of May, 2003.

All children in three schools who consented to participate in the study were included in the study. A calculated sample of 707 was taken.

Sociodemographic data and health related information were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Anthropometry was taken in standard ways. Hemoglobin was measured using HaemoCue.

Data was entered into a computer using SPSS statistical package. Selected variables were taken to determine for their association with anemia using multiple logistic regression model.

The mean age was 14.96 years. Females accounted for 52.8% of the subjects. Prevalence of stunting was 32.8% while underweight was 41.5%. The mean Hgb level was 15.4 gm/dl (SD 2.4). The prevalence rate of anemia was 5.83%. The highest rate was noted among children aged 8 years, though there was no consistent trend. Among the selected variables none were predictors of anemia.

Anemia is not an uncommon problem among school children in Addis Ababa. Further study is required to determine factors affecting occurrence of anemia for planning an intervention program.