PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA AMONG CHILDREN LIVING IN ORPHANAGES IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Abstract

Anaemia and malnutrition are considered the most widespread nutrition related problems among children in developing countries. Nonetheless, there is little information especially in relation to the prevalence of anaemia in children living in foster care and orphanages. Thus, the study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia among orphans living in the Tamale Metropolis. The study employed a cross sectional study design. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used. Participants who were considered as eligible were children (6months-8 years) living in orphanages in the study area. Descriptive and inferential statistics were mainly used in analyzing data and presenting results. Over 53.2% of orphans were found to have some level of anaemia and a 22.6% prevalence of IDA. The level of hookworm infection was observed to be 21%, suggesting a major public health concern at the orphanages. IDA was also found to be more among orphans with worm infestation compared to those without worm infestation (76.9% versus 44.9%, p=0.04). After controlling for other factors, only worm infestation was found to be a predictor of iron deficiency anaemia among orphans in the study (p=0.042). The findings confirm widespread anemia and IDA in the orphanages and strongly recommend routine deworming coupled with proper hygienic practices and dietary modifications as a relevant strategy to tackle IDA and malnutrition in Ghanaian orphanages.