Magnitude and predictors of anemia among preschool children (36–59 months) in Atingo town, Jimma, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Anemia is a serious public health concern that affects more than 25% of the world's population. It is still widespread and at its most severe in Ethiopia. This study pointed to identify the magnitude and predictors of anemia in preschool children in Atinago. Method A structured interview and anthropometric metrics had been used in a cross‐sectional study to collect data from 309 preschool children using a systematic sampling strategy from May 10 to June 25, 2022. Frequencies, percentages, means, and a bar chart were created as descriptive statistics. Factors that were significant at the 25% level in univariate analysis were run through multiple logistic models. Odds ratios with respective 95% confidence intervals were developed to determine the relevant predictors. Result The majority (51.7%) of preschool children in Atinago town had anemia. The finding reveals that poor dietary diversity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–3.07), children from families with food insecurity (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.31–3.9), child–mothers used iron folate for less than 3 months during pregnancy (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.07–3.48), households with more than five children (AOR = 1.880, 95% CI = 1.12–3.18), and stunted children (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.05–3.01) were highly susceptible to anemia. Conclusion The findings indicate that anemia was a serious issue among preschool children in Atinago. Therefore, stakeholders should provide community‐based nutrition training on consuming diverse diets, dietary improvements in the home, consuming iron‐rich meals, and the like; encourage mothers to participate in early ANC follow‐up; and strengthen activities aimed at identifying households with food insecurity status.

Keywords

• anemia
• associated factors
• Atinago Town
• Ethiopia
• preschool children
• prevalence