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A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
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Maternal risk factors for childhood anaemia in Ethiopia

Dereje Habte1, Kalid Asrat, Mgaywa G M D Magafu

  • 1University of Botswana, School of Medicine. dereje.habte@gmail.com

African Journal of Reproductive Health
|September 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Childhood anaemia in Ethiopia affects over 50% of children under five. Maternal anaemia and lower socio-economic status significantly increase the risk of anaemia in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood anaemia is a significant global health concern, particularly in low-income countries.
  • Ethiopia faces a high prevalence of anaemia among children under five years old.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key risk factors associated with childhood anaemia in Ethiopia.
  • To investigate the relationship between maternal anaemia, socio-economic status, and childhood anaemia.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 8260 children aged 6-59 months in Ethiopia.
  • Statistical analysis to determine odds ratios for risk factors including maternal anaemia and wealth index.

Main Results:

  • Over 50% of children aged 6-59 months had anaemia, with a mean haemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dl.
  • Maternal anaemia (mild, moderate, severe) increased the odds of childhood anaemia by 1.82, 2.16, and 3.73 times, respectively (p<0.01).
  • Children of mothers with no formal education and those from poorer wealth quintiles showed higher odds of anaemia (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Childhood anaemia is a critical public health issue in Ethiopia.
  • Maternal anaemia and socio-economic factors are strongly associated with childhood anaemia.
  • Integrated interventions targeting both mothers and children are crucial for anaemia control.

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