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

Abstract

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.