Severity and Morphological Characteristics of Anaemia Among 6 to 59 Months Old Children in Temeke, Dar es Salaam-Tanzania: Clinics Based Cross Sectional Analysis.

Background: Anaemia is a global public health indicator of both poor nutrition and poor health. Besides, it stands as a silent signal of mal-aligned health system across the entire human lifespan. Globally, the importance of anaemia is most pronounced among children. This study was conceived to assess severity and morphological characteristics of anaemia among children aged from 6 to 59 months old in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: We designed a cross sectional, clinics-based analytical study. Children aged 6 to 59 months with anaemia were the target population. Severity and morphological characteristics of anaemia were the main outcome variables. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were summarised using median and inter-quartile range (continuous variables) or frequency and proportions (categorical variables). Chi-square tests were applied to assess association between categorical variables. Alpha level of 5% was used as a limit of type 1 error in findings. Written informed consent was sought from mother of each child prior to inclusion into the study.

Results: We successfully recruited and analysed 250 children. Participants median age was 17.5 (IQR: 9 - 34) months (females, n=112, 44.8%). Point prevalence of anaemia (Hb<12 g/dL) was 66.8%. Among anemic children (n=167), about 19%, 63% and 18% had mild, moderate and severe anaemia respectively. A direct linear association between MCV and MCHC was observed among anemic children (n=167, Spearman's rank ´Y= 0.86, P=.000). There was a significant association between prevalence and severity of anaemia among studied children (LR χ² (corrected) = 229.5, df=3). Majority (n=121, 72%) of the studied children had normocytic normochromic anaemia.

Conclusion: Majority of under-fives in attendance at outpatient clinics in Temeke were anemic. Normochromic normocytic anaemia was the most prevalent variant of anaemia in this study population.