Publications

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among children aged 6 to 59months attending Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). Anaemia remains asignificant global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study contributesto understanding the incidence of anaemia and its contributing factors in this specific population. The prevalenceof anaemia among the studied children was found to be 29.6%, with 4.5% experiencing severe anaemia. Thisunderscores the ongoing burden of anaemia in young children, despite efforts to address it. The study revealedvarious socio-demographic factors associated with anaemia. Children living in rural areas were twice as likely todevelop anaemia compared to those in urban areas. Similarly, children whose caretakers were business operatorshad a higher likelihood of anaemia. Furthermore, medical and nutritional factors were strongly associated withanaemia. Children with a history of febrile illness or current chronic illnesses were more likely to developanaemia. Additionally, malnutrition, particularly severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acutemalnutrition (MAM), significantly increased the risk of anaemia. On the contrary, children with normal weightfor height had a lower likelihood of developing anaemia. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature ofanaemia in young children and the importance of addressing various determinants to mitigate its prevalence.Interventions should focus on improving access to healthcare services, including immunization and dewormingprograms, as well as addressing malnutrition through nutrition education and supplementation initiatives.Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as rural residence and caregiver occupation should be considered indeveloping targeted interventions. In conclusion, anaemia remains a prevalent issue among children attendingKIU-TH, with various socio-demographic, medical, and nutritional factors influencing its occurrence.Comprehensive intervention strategies addressing these factors are essential to reduce the burden of anaemiaand improve the health outcomes of young children in this setting. Further research and ongoing monitoring arenecessary to assess the effectiveness of interventions and track changes in anaemia prevalence over time.Keywords: Children's anaemia, public health, and low- and middle-income nations