| Age-specific risk factors for anemia among preschool-aged children in Myanmar: Analysis from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16 |
| Authors: |
Yunhee Kang, and Jihye Kim |
| Source: |
Maternal and Child Nutrition, Oline first; DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12870 |
| Topic(s): |
Anemia
Child health
|
| Country: |
Asia
Myanmar
|
| Published: |
JUL 2019 |
| Abstract: |
Anemia is prevalent among preschool-aged children in Myanmar, but few epidemiological studies of anemia at the national level were reported. Using data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16, we examined risk factors for anemia at household, maternal, and individual levels for children aged 6–23 months (n=1,133) and 24–59 months (n=2,393) separately. Survey design and sampling weights were adjusted for in multivariate regression analyses. The prevalence of anemia was 77.2% in children aged 6–23 months and 50.8% in those aged 24–59 months. Living in geographic zones other than the hilly zone was associated with a higher odds of anemia in both age groups (OR=1.86–2.51 [95% lower limit>1.0]). Maternal anemia predicted child anemia in a dose-response manner in both groups (6–23 months of age; OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.38–2.92 [mild] and OR=2.41, 95%CI: 1.12–5.19 [moderate]; and 24–59 months of age OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.12–1.81 [mild] and OR=2.92, 95%CI: 1.91–4.46 [moderate]). A maternal age of 14–24 years (ref: 25–34 years; OR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.06–2.64) and maternal tolerant attitude to domestic violence (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.13–2.31) predicted anemia in children aged 6–23 months only. Younger child age (OR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.96–0.98), stunting (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.08–1.69), and using unimproved drinking water sources (OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.10–1.75) were associated with anemia in children aged 24–59 months. Risk factors for child anemia varied by age group. Consideration of age-specific risks factors will help planning anemia control programs in Myanmar. |
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