DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i06.030

Pages: 2020-2022

Anemia is considered the most prevalent nutritional deficiency globally, affecting about a quarter of the world population, especially children. This study was done to study the prevalence of anemia in child under five years of age.This cross-sectional study was carried out including of preschool children aged from 6 months to 5 years. Hemoglobin levels were measured to diagnose anemia (hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL) and data were collected on independent variables such as age, sex, area of residence (urban or rural), daycare center enrollment, birth weight, breastfeeding history, and maternal anemia during pregnancy.Anemia in the particular region was ranges from 29.7% to 25.9 % in 3 consecutive years. No significant differences were found in anemia prevalence between boys and girls. Prevalence of anemia was higher in rural areas than in urban areas.Because of the severity of the public-health problem and the potential threat to health, survival and development of present and future generations, the prevention and the control of anemia should be given immediate priority in the health and nutrition sectors.