Childhood Anemia and Its Associated Factors in Africa: Umbrella Review
Endalk Birrie Wondifraw, Muluken Amare Wudu, Fekadeselassie Belege Getaneh, Hailemariam Gezie, Kindu Yinges WondieIntroduction
Anemia remains a leading cause of illness and death among children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is characterized by lowered hemoglobin levels and a reduced count of red blood cells, resulting in inadequate oxygen delivery to body tissues.
Method
A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Pooled estimates of prevalence and predictors were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis models.
Result
The umbrella review included five studies, totaling 248,501 children. The pooled prevalence of childhood anemia was 51.80% (95% CI: 40.77%–62.83%; I 2 : 93.1%). Factors significantly associated with childhood anemia included mothers with no formal education, low family socioeconomic status, stunting, rural residence, and low dietary diversity.
Conclusion
In this umbrella review, childhood anemia in Africa was recognized as a critical public health concern.