A STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF ANAEMIA AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN GHANA

Abstract

In spite of the numerous interventions in place to control anaemia in Ghana, the prevalence of anaemia among under-five children is still high and classified as a severe public health problem. The study examined socio-demographic factors influencing anaemia among under-five children using the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data of 2008. The general objective of the study was to assess socio-demographic characteristics of household associated with anaemia among under-five children in Ghana. The logistic regression estimates identified a significant relationship between the prevalence of anaemia in children and a set of socio-demographic variables. For instance, children who were aged 6-24 months were at a higher risk of anaemia compared to children aged 25-59 months. Children of fathers with lower level of education were more likely to be anaemic. In conclusion, it was found that child age, mother’s age, place of resident and father’s level of education were important determinants factors of anaemia in Ghana. It is recommended that Ghana Health Service should provide appropriate education on complementary feeding for mothers with under-five children in order to reduce prevalence of anaemia. Also, education on anaemia by MOH and GHS should target not only mothers, but fathers as well especially those with low level of education.