The association between the severity of anemia and socio-demographic factors among children under five years of age in Kut City

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a public health issue that affects both industrialized and developing nations. Childhood anemia has severe consequences, including reduced growth, poor motor and cognitive development, and increased death and morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine sociodemographic factors associated with the severity of anemia among under-five children in Kut City.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample (non-probability) was conducted among 264 children admitted to hospitals in Kut City, from September 1st, 2022, to March 1st, 2023. Data were collected via questionnaires, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the data.

RESULTS: The total number of children participating in the study was 264, with 39.0% having mild anemia and 60.0% having moderate anemia, according to the World Health Organization classification of anemia. The results showed that the children most at risk of developing anemia were within 4 years of age and had a lower mean hemoglobin level than the rest of the age groups of the children participating in the study, compared to the mean+standard deviation (SD) (9.46+0.99). Boys are more affected than girls, and those who reside in rural areas have lower hemoglobin (HB) percentages with a mean+SD of (9.21+0.93). Unemployed mothers who read and write had the lowest HB percentage. In contrast, parents with primary education and government jobs have the lowest percentage of HB. Children of married mothers are more affected by anemia. Families with high overcrowding showed the lowest rate of HB. They experienced low socioeconomic status as a result. The degree of anemia was significantly correlated with the child's age, residence, mother's educational level, father's job, and socioeconomic position.

CONCLUSION: This study concludes a significant association between the severity of anemia and sociodemographic factors, both unmodifiable (age) and modifiable (residence, mothers' education, fathers' jobs, and economic and social status). Children with modifiable risk factors need to have their anemia risk constantly evaluated.