Socioeconomic factors associated with anemia among children aged 6-59 months in Namibia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

• Anemia is a significant global public health issue, with prevalence varying by socio-demographic factors.
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for effective intervention strategies, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between socio-demographic factors and anemia in children aged 6-59 months in Namibia.
• To identify specific risk factors contributing to childhood anemia within the Namibian context.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2013 Namibian Demographic Health Survey.
• Employed logistic regression analysis to examine associations between anemia and socio-demographic variables.
• Reported findings using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increased risk of anemia was observed in children from poorer households compared to the richest quintile.
• Anemia was found to be significantly more prevalent among boys than girls.
• A significant negative association was noted between anemia and age, indicating higher risk in younger children.

Conclusions:

• Young children, boys, and children from socio-economically disadvantaged households in Namibia face an elevated risk of anemia.
• Addressing poverty and gender disparities is essential for mitigating anemia's impact on child development.
• Policy interventions should prioritize factors exacerbating anemia risk in vulnerable child populations.