Etiology of Anemia Among Preschool Children in Ethiopia
Condition: Anemia
MeSH terms: Anemia
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      This study aims to determine the etiology of anemia among preschool children in selected
      regions of Ethiopia. The study is a longitudinal observational study to assess the
      determinant factors of anemia in two different seasons.

      The main questions it aims to answer are:

        1. What is the prevalence and etiology of anemia in the two different (Post and
           Pre-harvest) seasons?

        2. What is the strength of the interaction between anemia and each of the determinant
           factors being considered?

      The participant's dietary intake and anthropometric measurement have been assessed, and
      biological samples (Blood and Stool) were collected to determine the prevalence of anemia and
      the factors contributing to it.
    

Detailed description: 
      Background: Although the country made a significant change in the burden of malnutrition in
      all its forms in the past two decades, the issue remains unacceptably high across all regions
      of Ethiopia. The national prevalence of anemia among children 6-59 months was very high 57%
      and one of the public health concerns in 2016. Although the country is known as a data-rich
      country, in some specific indicators, there is a lack of data and evidence to alleviate the
      nutritional gaps through an informed decision-making process. In this particular case, there
      is a lack of evidence relating to child anemia in Ethiopia, especially since there is no
      comprehensive information about the determinant factors of anemia.

      Objective: The objective of the current survey is to determine the etiology of anemia and its
      public health implications among under-five children in selected ecological zones of Ethiopia
      at different seasons.

      Method: This survey will be a community-based, longitudinal panel study and will be conducted
      in two different (post-harvest and pre-harvest) seasons in the 2014 Ethiopian calendar year.
      A nationally representative sample was calculated and allocated to three purposely selected
      regions (Amhara, Southern Nation, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), and Somali) in
      consideration of three different ecological zones (lowlands, midlands, and highlands). The
      study population will be children aged 6 - 59 months with caregivers/mothers with a sample
      size of 1212 under-five children from 1212 households. The indicators collected for the
      survey are dietary intake, anthropometric measurement, and biological samples (Blood and
      Stool).

      Expected benefit: The findings of this survey will provide information on the etiology of
      anemia that will inform short-term policy decisions, especially for case-specific
      nutrition-sensitive interventions, and that will contribute to long-term policy decisions for
      comprehensive nutrition intervention programs.
    

Observational model: Ecologic or Community
Time perspective: Other
Sampling method: Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Children at the age of 6 to 59 months in each randomly selected eligible household of the
        Amhara or SNNPR or Somali regions of Ethiopia were the study population for this study but,
        during the baseline survey, we found children 6 to 53 months to retain the same child at
        the endline survey below five years old.
      
Biospecimen description: 
      The hemoglobinopathies test will be performed to assess the genetic alteration of the
      individual hemoglobin synthesis status.
    
Keywords: Etiology; Anemia; Preschool