Prevalence of anemia and associated risk factor among under-five children in Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia

Abstract Anemia is a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in the blood or both which results in a lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen. According to a 2008 WHO report indicate that more than half of the world’s preschool-age children (56.3%) reside in countries where anemia is a severe public health problem. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is a severe public health problem among preschool-age children. In this region, much of the national prevalence is estimated to be above 40% among this age group. In Ethiopia, more than 44% of under-five children are anemic. Furthermore, a 2016 report national-level indicates even there was intervention the prevalence increased significantly to 72.3%. It means that the prevalence of anemia is still at the highest public health problem in Ethiopia. The Objectives of the study is to assess the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among under-five children attending the pediatrics outpatient department in Asella teaching and referral Hospital from June 2018 to October 30, 2018. An Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted by non-probability convenience sampling technique; 338 children were selected. The results of the study showed that the overall prevalence of anemia among under-five children was 36.7%, around 21(6.2%) of them were found to be severely anemic, whereas 37 (10.9%) were moderately anemic. Factors like child’s age [AOR=2.36, 95%CI (1.18, 3.74)] and birth intervals [AOR=3.31, 95%CI (1.17, 3.6)], were associated with anemia. Anemia remains a common health problem in the study area among under-five children and further studies are needed to focus on etiologies and interventions.