Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among children aged 6 to 59
months attending Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). Anaemia remains a
significant global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study contributes
to understanding the incidence of anaemia and its contributing factors in this specific population. The prevalence
of anaemia among the studied children was found to be 29.6%, with 4.5% experiencing severe anaemia. This
underscores the ongoing burden of anaemia in young children, despite efforts to address it. The study revealed
various socio-demographic factors associated with anaemia. Children living in rural areas were twice as likely to
develop anaemia compared to those in urban areas. Similarly, children whose caretakers were business operators
had a higher likelihood of anaemia. Furthermore, medical and nutritional factors were strongly associated with
anaemia. Children with a history of febrile illness or current chronic illnesses were more likely to develop
anaemia. Additionally, malnutrition, particularly severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute
malnutrition (MAM), significantly increased the risk of anaemia. On the contrary, children with normal weight
for height had a lower likelihood of developing anaemia. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of
anaemia in young children and the importance of addressing various determinants to mitigate its prevalence.
Interventions should focus on improving access to healthcare services, including immunization and deworming
programs, as well as addressing malnutrition through nutrition education and supplementation initiatives.
Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as rural residence and caregiver occupation should be considered in
developing targeted interventions. In conclusion, anaemia remains a prevalent issue among children attending
KIU-TH, with various socio-demographic, medical, and nutritional factors influencing its occurrence.
Comprehensive intervention strategies addressing these factors are essential to reduce the burden of anaemia
and improve the health outcomes of young children in this setting. Further research and ongoing monitoring are
necessary to assess the effectiveness of interventions and track changes in anaemia prevalence over time.
Keywords: Children's anaemia, public health, and low- and middle-income nations