Prevalence and risk factors of anemia among school children in al-Mukalla district, Yemen

الملخص EN

Anemia is a public health problem in developing countries among school-aged children.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with anemia among school-aged children in the district of Al Mukalla, Yemen.A nested case- control study was conducted from January to April 2010.

Children were selected through multistage random sampling method.The data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaires which were distributed to 316 parents of participating children.

Hemoglobin and blood film were measured for every child.

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5.

Logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with anemia.

The overall prevalence of anemia was 12%.

Of the anemic children, 11.7% were found to have iron deficiency anemia.

The prevalence of anemia among males children was higher than females.

Young age of child (OR= 7.971; 95% CI: 2.873–22.118), mother with low educational level(OR = 6.234; 95% CI: 2.560– 15.176), and inadequate family income (OR= 2.902;95% CI:1.064 -7.919) were identified as associated factors for anemia.

We conclude that anemia is a public health problem among school children relatively moderate in the study area.

Improving the economic status of the family and mothers' education are recommended strategies to reduce the burden of anemia.