Economic factors contributing to anaemia in children under the age of five years at the paediatric ward in Nakaseke General Hospital, Nakaseke district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/rtep3752Keywords:
Anaemia, Children under five, Economic factors, Household income, Maternal employment, Food security, Safe drinking waterAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to determine the economic factors contributing to anaemia in children under the age of five years at the paediatric ward in Nakaseke General Hospital, Nakaseke district.
Methodology:
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design at Nakaseke General Hospital, targeting caretakers of children under five diagnosed with anaemia. A sample of 80 participants was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through pretested self-administered structured questionnaires in Luganda. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to participation. Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in tables and charts. Standard operating procedures were followed to ensure confidentiality, voluntary participation, and accuracy, with training provided to research assistants to enhance data quality.
Results:
Among the 80 respondents, half were married (40; 50.0%), 25 (31.3%) single, 10 (12.5%) divorced, and 5 (6.2%) widowed. Regarding education, 30 (37.5%) had secondary, 25 (31.3%) primary, 15 (18.7%) tertiary, and 10 (12.5%) never attended school. Occupation-wise, 30 (37.5%) were housewives, 25 (31.3%) small-scale business, 20 (25.0%) peasants, and 5 (6.2%) other. Household sizes were 1–4 members (30; 37.5%), 5–8 members (40; 50.0%), and 8+ members (10; 12.5%). Rural residents were 45 (56.3%) and urban 35 (43.7%). Economically, 45 (56.3%) of mothers were unemployed. Household income was below 200,000 UGX (35; 43.8%), 200,001–500,000 UGX (30; 37.5%), and above 500,001 UGX (15; 18.7%). Household heads were farmers (25; 31.3%), employed (25; 31.3%), business owners (20; 25.0%), and unemployed (10; 12.5%). Forty-five (56.3%) households had enough money for food, 60 (75.0%) had safe drinking water, with boreholes serving 10 (12.5%) of respondents.
Conclusion:
Low income, unemployment, and food insecurity significantly increased anaemia risk among children under five.
Recommendation:
Government and NGOs should promote women’s income activities and provide social support to improve household food security.
References
1. Byoma, L. (2024). Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among children admitted to a pediatric ward in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Uganda Medical Journal, 41(3), 33–48.
2. Destaw, F., Tadesse, M., & Bekele, A. (2021). Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five children in Shanan Gibe Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. BMC Pediatrics, 21, Article 123.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-03011-5
3. Mashhadani, S., Al-Kaabi, A., & Hamid, R. (2023). Association between the severity of anemia and socio-demographic factors among children under five years of age in Kut City, Iraq. Iraqi Journal of Pediatrics, 35(2), 55–63.
4. Namirembe, J., & Kazibwe, F. (2025). Factors contributing to anemia among children under five years in health facilities in Sheema District, Uganda. Uganda Health Journal, 29(1), 34–46.
5. Ogwal, R. (2023). Assessing factors associated with the prevalence of anemia among children under five years of age in the pediatric ward at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Lira Medical Journal, 18(2), 25–39.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joseph Wabomba, Moses Ojale, George Masete (Author)
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