Anemia and its associated factors among school-age children living in different climatic zones of Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Anemia, defined as a low blood hemoglobin concentration, has been shown to be a major public health concern in low-income countries like Ethiopia. School-age children are the most vulnerable population groups for anemia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia, with consideration of altitudinal variations, and to identify factors associated with anemia among school-age children.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2017 among randomly selected 391 school-age children (6 to 14 years) in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia. Hemoglobin concentration was measured on the spot using portable hemoglobinometer (HemoCue Hb 201). The hemoglobin cut off values, adjusted for child age and altitude, were used to define anemia. Stool microscopic examination was done for investigation of intestinal parasites. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the possible association of independent and outcome variables.

Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 37.3% (146); (95% CI: 32.5, 42.2). Among those who were anemic, 110 (28.1%) and 35 (9%) had mild (Hb 11-11.4 g/dl for children age from 6 to 11 years and 11-11.9 g/dl for children age from 12 to 14 years) and moderate (Hb 8-10.9 g/dl) anemia respectively. A single case of severe (Hb < 8 g/dl) anemia was identified. Fifty-seven (46.3%) of children living in an altitude ≥ 2500 m above sea level were anemic. Anemia was higher among children who were positive for intestinal parasitic infections (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 2.04, 5.35) and children not-enrolled to schools (AOR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.26, 3.32). Anemia was less common among children who had no habit of eating vegetables in the last week prior to the survey (AOR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.84).

Conclusions: More than one-third of school-age children were suffering from anemia. Intestinal parasitic infections and school non-enrollment were among the major factors associated with anemia among school-age children in the study area. Interventions, focusing on identified contributing factors need to be implemented by integrating with other school or community-based health programs.