Abstract:
Anemia is a public health problem in many
developing countries. It affects a sizable
proportion of children under age 5 and women
of reproductive age. Anemia increases the
risk of morbidity and mortality from
infectious diseases, and can lead to poor
fetal outcomes, inadequate bodily
development, and low productivity. This study
analyzed data from the Uganda Demographic and
Health Surveys conducted in 2006, 2011, and
2016 to understand the trends and
determinants of anemia in children age 6-59
months and women age 15-49. Bivariate
analysis and multiple logistic regression
analysis examined the association between the
outcome variables and the determinants.
The results of the analysis show that anemia
levels decreased in Uganda between 2006 and
2016, but with an increase between 2011 and
2016. The overall prevalence of anemia among
children was 73% in 2006, 50% in 2011, and
53% in 2016. Among women, anemia prevalence
was 49%, 23%, and 32% respectively in 2006,
2011, and 2006. Among the children studied,
recent child sickness and maternal anemia
were significantly associated with childhood
anemia in all 3 years. Children who took
drugs for intestinal worms had lower odds for
anemia in 2006 and 2016. Household wealth,
region, and maternal age were also associated
with anemia in children. Women who were
pregnant at the time of the survey had higher
odds of being anemic across the surveys.
Women in poorer households and women using
non improved sources of drinking water also
had higher odds for anemia. Interventions to
reduce cases of anemia in children and women
should address access to health care,
treatment of sicknesses, improvement in
household income, and women’s empowerment.