Prevalence, associated factors, diagnostic and therapeutic approach of anemia in under-five children at a tertiary referral hospital in Kigali, Rwanda– A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Anemia in children under five-year-of-age is a public health problem particularly in limited settings countries. However the prevalence of anemia, associated factors, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is less studies in Rwanda. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify prevalence of anemia, associated factors, diagnostic and therapeutic approach in children below five years-of-age in tertiary hospital in Kigali. Method: A prospective, cross sectional study done in pediatric department of CHUK, including all children under five-year-of age admitted from 07th December 2018 to 10 February 2019.Data were collected using questionnaire, the first part has been completed via a face to face interview, second part by consulting medical file. We followed FBC taken on admission and results were recorded via open clinic. Data were entered via excel, then analyzed with SPPS 20 using univariate analysis, multivariate analysis was used to accurately determine factors associated with anemia. Results: 192 children were included in study. The overall prevalence of anemia was 68.8% with high prevalence in children above 12 months of age 39.1%.Microcytic anemia was 60.6%, Normocytic 36.4% and Macrocytic 3%. Factors associated with anemia were Malnutrition [MUAC<-2SD (OR: 2.946, p=0.019); Weight/Age<-2SD (OR: 2.545, p=0.012); Weight/Height<-2SD (OR: 2.833, p=0.008); Height/Age (OR: 2.738, p=0.011)], anemia during pregnancy (AOR: 2.138, p=0.042), five or more people living in house (AOR=2.089, p=0.032), low socio-economic status (AOR=2.575, p=0.032).Young age below 12 months of age was negatively associated with anemia (AOR=0.423, p=0.01).During hospital stay, 2% of anemic children died. Conclusion: This study showed that anemia is high in under-five children and its approaches is suboptimal. Planning to control anemia in this age group, factors associated must be taken into consideration.