Prevalence and risk factors for childhood anemia in Rwanda: Using Rwandan demographic and health survey 2019-2020

Anemia in children is a significant health issue globally, with developing countries, notably Africa, being disproportionately affected. This condition can result in detrimental and irreversible impacts on a child's neurological development. Despite its relevance, research on anemia prevalence and risk factors in Rwandan children aged 6-23 months is limited. Our study aimed to ascertain the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with anemia in this defined population.

This is a cross-sectional study that used secondary data analysis on a weighed sample of 1247 children aged 6-23 months, sourced from the 2019-2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey. We used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression to identify the links between anemia and various factors.

The study revealed a high prevalence of anemia at 52.79%. Among anemic children aged 6-23 months, most (52.82%) had mild anemia, 46.12% had moderate anemia, and 1.06% had severe anemia. Key contributors to childhood anemia included maternal anemia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.62, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): [1.11, 2.33]) and history of coughing in the 2 weeks before the survey (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: [1.12, 1.81]). Vitamin A supplementation and antiparasitic medication were identified as protective factors (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI: [0.50, 0.97]) and (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: [0.45, 0.77]), respectively.

Given the high anemia prevalence among Rwandan children aged 6-23 months, targeted public health interventions are critically needed. A comprehensive strategy throughout the health system is essential for reducing childhood anemia, involving measures such as addressing maternal anemia, managing childhood illnesses, and enhancing existing interventions like vitamin A supplementation and deworming.