The prevalence of anaemia in rural primary school children in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is a public health problem affecting children with potential consequences on physical and mental development. Children living in resource poor countries where micro-nutrient deficiency and infections are prevalent are mostly affected.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of anaemia in a rural primary school population of Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.
Methodology: One hundred and fifty-six primary school children aged 5-17years (75males, 81females) were recruited into the study using multi-stage sampling technique. Information on sex, age and parents’ educational attainment were obtained by the use of a self-administered questionnaire. Haemoglobin concentration of each child was determined, and each child was classified as anaemic if the value is less than the World Health Organization cut-off for age. Ninety-one children had stool microscopy for hook worm ova.
Result: The prevalence of anaemia was 66.7% (104 subjects), 69.3% and 64.2% for males and females respectively. Anaemia was significantly observed more in children of mothers with only primary school education (82%) than children of mothers with tertiary education (30%); p<0.001. Of the 91 children whose stool samples were examined, 30 (33.3%) had hookworm infection. Anaemia occurred in 70% of children with hookworm infection compared to 60% of children without hookworm infection (X² =0.33, p>0.5).
Conclusion: Anaemia is a severe public health concern in the rural primary school population of Ekwusigo Local Government Area. Improved maternal education and mass de-worming provided through a school-based program would be of benefit in improving the haemoglobin concentration of these rural school children.

Keywords: Haemoglobin concentration, hookworm infection, iron deficiency, maternal education