Prevalence of Anaemia and Associated Factors Among Preschool Children (6-59 Months) in Western Province, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency globally and of major public health concern in preschool children and pregnant women in developing world. In Kenya current anaemia rates are about 69 % among preschool aged children. Anaemia has adverse health consequences in the children. Objectives: To evaluated the prevalence, severity and risk factors of anaemia in preschool children in an area with intense malaria transmission. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Clusters in an area with intense malaria transmission in western Kenya. Subjects: A total of 125 preschoolers were enrolled aged between 6-59 months. Results: The prevalence of anaemia (Hb<11.0 g/dl) was 25%. It was further divided into moderate (14.2%) and mild (10.8%).Higher risk of presenting anaemia was documented for boys, lower household socioeconomic status, malaria infection and anthropometric deficits. Conclusion: The findings show occurrence of anaemia among preschool children. In addition to malaria, low socioeconomic status, anthropometric deficits, sex are important contributors to the pathogenesis of anaemia in Western province. Improving the case management of malaria is likely to reduce the burden of anaemia. Also to implement effective public health interventions to prevent anaemia in this group, an integrated approach that addresses poverty, nutrition and malaria infection is a must.