Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Anemia Among Hospitalized Children in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Botswana

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Hematology
• Global Health

Background:

• Anemia poses a global health challenge with potential long-term cognitive and behavioral impacts.
• Iron deficiency anemia is a common subtype, particularly concerning in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and identify risk factors for anemia in infants and children (6 months to 5 years) in Botswana.
• To assess the severity and type of anemia in the studied pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 250 pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Botswana.
• Anemia was assessed via baseline full blood count, with data collected from medical records and parental interviews.
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of anemia.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of anemia in the pediatric cohort was 42.8%.
• Mild anemia (56.1%) was most common, followed by moderate (39.2%) and severe (4.7%).
• Microcytic anemia, suggestive of iron deficiency, was found in 57% of anemic patients. Age was the sole independent predictor, with children 24 months and older having a 50% reduced risk (OR 0.52).

Conclusions:

• Anemia represents a substantial public health concern within the pediatric population in Botswana.
• The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address anemia in young children in this region.
• Age is a critical factor, with younger children being more vulnerable to developing anemia.