Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Schoolchildren in Metu Town Attending Public Primary Schools, Southwest Ethiopia
Lemi Ushu Sime, Tilahun Yamane, Wakjira KebedeABSTRACT
Background
Anemia is a worldwide public health problem, affecting more than half of schoolchildren in developing countries. The prevalence of anemia has been studied in various communities in Ethiopia. However, data on schoolchildren in Mattu town have been lacking.
Objective
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among schoolchildren attending a public primary school in Mattu town, southwest Ethiopia.
Methods
A school‐based cross‐sectional study recruited 317 children aged 7–14 years in 2024. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic data were collected via questionnaires. Blood analyses were performed for complete blood count, red blood cell morphology, malaria, and intestinal parasites. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23, with logistic regression used to identify factors associated with anemia at p value < 0.05.
Result
A total of 330 schoolchildren were included in the study, with a 96.1% response rate. The overall prevalence of anemia in this study was 33 (10.4%, 95%CI: 7.27%, 14.31%). Mild anemia was found in 69.7% of cases, and females comprised 53.3% of participants, with a mean age of 11.1 years (SD ± 1.798). The factors significantly associated with anemia included mothers with no formal education (AOR = 5.02, 95% CI: 1.75–14.39), male gender ((AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.20–8.28)), low family income (AOR = 4.71, 95% CI: 1.75–12.68), intestinal parasitic infection (AOR = 4.48, 95% CI: 1.77–11.37), and a habit of consuming coffee or tea with meals (AOR = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.55–10.11).
Conclusion
This study found a mild prevalence of anemia among schoolchildren in Mattu town. Anemia was associated with low maternal education, low family income, male sex, and intestinal parasitic infections. Targeted interventions such as health education, deworming programs, and awareness of tea/coffee consumption with meals are recommended to improve child health outcomes.