Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia among school-going adolescentsin Mbale City, Eastern Uganda

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.