Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Anemia Among Children Under Five Years attending Amudat Hospital, Amdat district.

Abstract

Background: Worldwide anaemia is a major health challenge causing a high morbidity and mortality rates especially among the under five. Aneamia is well known to affect the early years in the life of a child and cause permanent cognitive damage that is carried on to adulthood. Unfortunately most of this time is ignored and therefore the child grows lacking and throughout life struggles with health issues due to the effects of aneamia during infancy. The causes are highly preventable at a much low cost as compared to its treatment both to the government, individual and family.

Objective: The study investigated factors associated with prevalence of anaemia among children under five years attending Amudat hospital.

Method: This was done by an analytical cross sectional study in Amudat hospital with a sample size of 88 respondents. Data was collected using researcher administered questionnaires and a focus group discussion of 15 caretakers.

Results: The results of this study indicated that out of 88 respondents, the majorit were from rural areas 89.77%, most of them 77.27% had no educational background, 65.91%were casual laborers these made them completely unable to meet their basic needs 64.77%.

Recommendations: The researcher recommends that the above factors contributing to the prevalence of anaemia would be prevented by health education of the public on anaemia, importance of a good nutrition, control of disease and training on income generating activities.