Amha Mekasha1, Mesfin Zerfu. 1. Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1768.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of anemia among school children and adolescents in Addis Ababa. STUDY SETTING: Three schools in Addis Ababa were selected. The schools are one primary school and two high schools. STUDY DESIGN: A cross sectional survey was undertaken in three schools in the month of May, 2003. STUDY POPULATION: All children in three schools who consented to participate in the study were included in the study. A calculated sample of 707 was taken. MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic data and health related information were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Anthropometry was taken in standard ways. Hemoglobin was measured using HaemoCue. DATA ANALYSIS: Data was entered into a computer using SPSS statistical package. Selected variables were taken to determine for their association with anemia using multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: The mean age was 14.96 years. Females accounted for 52.8% of the subjects. Prevalence of stunting was 32.8% while underweight was 41.5%. The mean Hgb level was 15.4 gm/dl (SD 2.4). The prevalence rate of anemia was 5.83%. The highest rate was noted among children aged 8 years, though there was no consistent trend. Among the selected variables none were predictors of anemia. CONCLUSION: Anemia is not an uncommon problem among school children in Addis Ababa. Further study is required to determine factors affecting occurrence of anemia for planning an intervention program.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of anemia among school children and adolescents in Addis Ababa. STUDY SETTING: Three schools in Addis Ababa were selected. The schools are one primary school and two high schools. STUDY DESIGN: A cross sectional survey was undertaken in three schools in the month of May, 2003. STUDY POPULATION: All children in three schools who consented to participate in the study were included in the study. A calculated sample of 707 was taken. MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic data and health related information were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Anthropometry was taken in standard ways. Hemoglobin was measured using HaemoCue. DATA ANALYSIS: Data was entered into a computer using SPSS statistical package. Selected variables were taken to determine for their association with anemia using multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: The mean age was 14.96 years. Females accounted for 52.8% of the subjects. Prevalence of stunting was 32.8% while underweight was 41.5%. The mean Hgb level was 15.4 gm/dl (SD 2.4). The prevalence rate of anemia was 5.83%. The highest rate was noted among children aged 8 years, though there was no consistent trend. Among the selected variables none were predictors of anemia. CONCLUSION:Anemia is not an uncommon problem among school children in Addis Ababa. Further study is required to determine factors affecting occurrence of anemia for planning an intervention program.