Publications

The World Health Organization estimates that globally, 1.62 billion people are anemic, withthe highest prevalence of anemia (47.4%) among preschool-aged children. A study wasconducted at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU TH) Bushenyi districtin western Uganda to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anemia amongchildren under five years. The study found that 44% of children had an 11 g/dl Hb level orless, with 54.0% being housewives and 22.7% being civil servants. The majority of childrenwith low HB levels were of MUAC between 12.5-13.5 cm. The study also found that malegender, milk consumption, and a history of chronic diseases were associated withincreased anemia. Child factors included malaria infection, male gender, feeding on cowmilk before age 6 months, and a history of chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding wasnot associated with increased anemia. The study highlights the importance of addressinganemia in children under five years.