Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Background: Anemia affects roughly 2 billion people worldwide and causes hindered cognitive
and physical development, decreased academic performance and, decreased work productivity in
adolescents. Despite the implementation of various anemia prevention and control strategies in
Uganda, the prevalence of anemia among adolescents remains high, particularly in Mbale City,
Eastern Uganda.
Objective: This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among school-
going adolescents in Mbale City, using primary community-based data.
Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using a questionnaire
administered face to face to collect data on hemocue. The study population was secondary level
school-going adolescents residing in Mbale City aged 15-19 years. Stratified sampling was used
to select respondents in each of the three divisions of Mbale City. The study considered adolescents
with hemoglobin (HB) levels below 12.0g/dL for females and below 13.0g/dL for males as anemic.
Prior to enrolling participants in the study, consent and assent were obtained.
Results: More than half (57%, n=270/422) of the respondents were anaemic of whom 57.8% were
female while 42.2% were male. The results revealed that being female (OR = 3.81, p < 0.001),
having a deceased mother (OR = 5.87, p = 0.008), parents of the adolescent being divorced/
separated (OR = 4.08, p < 0.001), currently taking medication (OR = 3.38, p = 0.001), and drinking
un-boiled water (OR = 2.22, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with anemia. In contrast,
being Muslim (OR = 0.44, p = 0.046) and belonging to the Adventist denomination (OR = 0.25, p
= 0.037) were protective factors against anemia.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The study revealed a high prevalence of anemia, particularly affecting females, among school-
going adolescents. Location was identified as a significant factor, emphasizing the necessity of
targeted interventions in areas with high anemia rates. These findings hold critical implications for
anemia prevention and management in low- and middle-income countries like Uganda, including
considerations for school feeding programs.
