Economic factors associated with anaemia among children under the age of five attending services at Kitgum General Hospital, Kitgum District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/xmcwk796Keywords:
Economic factors, high-cost iron-rich food, Children under the age, AnaemiaAbstract
Background:
The main causes of anaemia among children under five include parasitic infections such as intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, and malaria, along with inadequate dietary intake and chronic illnesses. The study aims to determine the economic factors associated with anaemia among children under the age of five attending services at Kitgum General Hospital, Kitgum District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design utilising quantitative data collection methods was applied. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 52 participants, and data were gathered using an approved semi-structured interview guide.
Results:
More than half (57.7%) of respondents were married, and 22(42.3%) were unmarried. The majority, 44(84.6%) of respondents reported unaffordability of high-cost iron-rich food (meat, fish, egg) while 8(15.4%) reported being able to afford high-cost iron-rich food. More than half 30, 57.7%) of respondents reported having ever had financial difficulties, while 22(42.3%) reported having never had financial difficulties. Half of 26(50%) experienced food shortage, while only 8(15.4%) always have enough food. Nearly half 24, 46.2%) of respondents reported their households were not able to afford enough nutritious food for their children, while only 8(15.4%) who always afford nutritious food for their children. The majority, 35(67.3%) of respondents buy their food from the market, followed by 20(38.4%) grew theirs at home, 17(32.7%) get from exchanged labour, while 7(13.5%) get as charity food from community members or some organisation.
Conclusion:Economic factors associated with anaemia among children under five include inadequate food distribution, financial difficulties, and the high cost of food items.
Recommendation:
The Ministry of Health to improve iron supplementation among children under five.
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