The Prevalence, Etiology, And Outcome Of Anemia In Children Under Five On Admission In Three Hospitals Of Dar-Es-Salaam
Authors: Msinde Peter Shabani 
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Childhood anemia remains a persistent global challenge, emerging as the most prevalent blood disorder among children worldwide. Its enduring prevalence underscores its significance as a hematological concern of substantial public health importance, owing to its wide prevalence and potential severity. Anemia’s impact is particularly pronounced among children and expectant mothers. On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken significant measures to address this issue. These include implementing strategies such as iron supplementation, fortifying food sources with essential nutrients, promoting dietary diversity, and preventing conditions that contribute to anemia’s occurrence. These collective efforts aim to alleviate the burden of anemia and enhance the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, etiologie, and clinical outcomes of anemia among children under five years of age upon admission in three district hospitals within the Dar-es-Salaam region.

Methodology

The study employed an observational cross-sectional design to examine the prevalence, etiologies, and outcomes of anemia in children under five who were admitted to three district hospitals in Dar-es-Salaam. Data collection took place between November 2022 and July 2023, involving children manifesting clinical signs of anemia and their caregivers. A sample size of 327 was used. Structured questionnaires were administered, and data were analyzed using SPSS software, with descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression employed to find associations. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study.

Results

The study analyzed data from 327 children under five years old admitted to three district hospitals in Dar-es-Salaam to determine the prevalence, etiologies, and outcomes of anemia. The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 45.9%, with 21.38% having mild anemia, 60% moderate anemia, and 18.62% severe anemia. Factors associated with anemia included age, referral status, family size, age of caregivers, chronic illness, deworming status, iron supplementation, active bleeding, breastfeeding, feeding adequacy, and associated comorbidities. Anemic children showed longer stays in both the ICU and wards, with an increased need for mechanical ventilators and blood transfusions.

Conclusion and recommendation

In conclusion, this study pinpoint the persistent burden of childhood anemia in the Dar-es-Salaam region, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address its prevalence and impact. The high prevalence of anemia, particularly moderate and severe cases, suggests an important need for targeted interventions. To mitigate this issue, it is recommended that health authorities and stakeholders implement and reinforce iron supplementation programs, promote dietary diversity, enhance deworming efforts, and raise awareness about anemia’s implications. Furthermore, healthcare facilities should prioritize early detection and management of anemia in pediatric patients to reduce the associated morbidity and resource utilization.