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Regassa Alemu Kebede,1 Tilahun Yemane,1 Gebeyaw Arega Berihun,1 Tolera Ambisa Lamesa,1 Dereje Abebe Regasa2 1Department of Medical Laboratory, Institute of Health Science, Jimma University, Jimma, South West, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Health Science, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Central Part of Ethiopia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Regassa Alemu Kebede, Email regassa2007@gmail.comBackground: Anemia is among the major public health problems that cause significant morbidity and mortality among children around the world. Anemia in children of age 6 months to 5 years is a major health problem in most developing world countries with estimated prevalence of about 43%.Objective: To determine the magnitude, associated factors and morphological types of anemia among hospitalized 6– 59 months age children from June 15 to October 15, 2022 at Jimma Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia.Methodology: Hospital-based cross- sectional study design was conducted from June 15 to October 15, 2022 at Jimma Medical Center, involving 383 hospitalized children aged 6– 59 months by employing convenient sampling technique. Data of sociodemographic characteristics and other associated factors of the study individuals waere collected using a pre-structured questionnaire. Clinical data were collected by physical examination and from history of client by medical interns and nurses. Then 3 mL venous blood was collected and analyzed for complete blood count. Data were coded, cleared and entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors.Results: The overall prevalence of anemia among hospitalized 6– 59 months age children was 57.2%; out of them 30.82% were moderate. In the present study children with malaria infection, AOR = 1.15 (95% CI: 0.017, 0.781), Cchildren with severe malnutrition, AOR = 2.046 (95% CI: 0.306, 1.366), and children with low family income, AOR = 2.6 (95% CI 0.475, 0.894) were independent variables associated with anemia.Conclusion and Recommendation: Anemia among study participants is found to be a severe public health problem. Based on this finding, more intervention is needed with health education on nutrition and child feeding.Keywords: anemia, magnitude, 6– 59 months, morphological types, southwest Ethiopia

Introduction: Anaemia is one of the micronutrient deficiency disorders that have global public health implications. The present study aims to determine the association of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) with anaemia among children aged 6–59 months in rural North India. Methods: In Rohtak (a north Indian city), a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018–19 (n = 266). Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. The Chi-square test was used for assessing the significance level during bivariate analysis. Further, multivariable regression analysis was used for determining the factors for anaemia prevalence among children aged 6–59 months. Results: About 62.4% (n = 166) of the children aged 6–59 months were found to have anaemia in the study area. The prevalence of MDD was 35.3% (n = 94). It was found that children with no MDD have a higher prevalence of moderate (42% vs. 25.5%; P < 0.001) and severe (12.8% vs. 8.5%; P < 0.001) anaemia. It was revealed that the children with no MDD had a significantly higher likelihood of being anaemic than children with MDD in model-1 [aOR: 2.09; CI: 1.23, 3.55] and model-3 [aOR: 1.70; CI: 1.01, 3.01]. Children with mothers who never attended school had significantly higher odds for anaemia in reference to those children whose mothers ever attended school in model-2 [aOR: 3.62; CI: 2.07,6.34] and model-3 [aOR: 3.00; CI: 1.62,5.56]. Conclusion: Measures to alleviate under-five anaemia should include empowering and educating women, expanding access to supplementation, fortification programmes, and promoting and raising awareness about feeding diverse foods, while also considering the socioeconomic status.

Abstract Background Access to outpatient therapeutic feeding programs (OTP) for all children who have uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a global public health priority. Identifying predictors that determine time-to-recovery from severe acute malnutrition optimize therapeutic success. However, reliable evidence on the determinants of time to recovery at health posts was not available in Nagele Arsi district of South Ethiopia. Objective This study was aimed to identify determinants of time-to-recovery from uncomplicated SAM among children aged (6–59) months treated at an OTP in health posts of Nagele Arsi district, Southern Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 357 children treated in Negele Arsi district from July1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. The children were selected using simple random sampling from 20 health posts. SAM treatment outcomes were compared against international SPHERE standards. The average time-to-recovery was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the independent predictors of time to recovery were determined using multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model. The strength of the association was done using adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was declared at p value

Objective: To find out the determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among under-five children in East Africa based on the 2017 revised indicator.Methods: Secondary data from the demographic and health survey (DHS) of eight countries in East Africa were combined. A total of 27,223 weighted samples of children aged 6–59 months were included. Multi-level logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the determinants of dietary diversity.Results: The magnitude of adequate MDD in East Africa was found to be 10.47% with 95% CI (10.12–10.84) with the lowest and highest magnitude in Ethiopia and Rwanda respectively. Having a mother in the age group of 35–49, having a mother with higher educational attainment, and having a post-natal check-up within 2 months were significant factors in determining adequate MDD.Conclusion: The magnitude of adequate MDD intake among children aged 6–59 months in East Africa is relatively low. Therefore, strengthening interventions focused on improving the economic status of households, the educational status of mothers, and diversified food consumption of children aged 6–59 months should get priority to improve the recommended feeding practice of children.

Introduction: Anaemia is one of the micronutrient deficiency disorders that have global public health implications. The present study aims to determine the association of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) with anaemia among children aged 6–59 months in rural North India. Methods: In Rohtak (a north Indian city), a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018–19 (n = 266). Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. The Chi-square test was used for assessing the significance level during bivariate analysis. Further, multivariable regression analysis was used for determining the factors for anaemia prevalence among children aged 6–59 months. Results: About 62.4% (n = 166) of the children aged 6–59 months were found to have anaemia in the study area. The prevalence of MDD was 35.3% (n = 94). It was found that children with no MDD have a higher prevalence of moderate (42% vs. 25.5%; P < 0.001) and severe (12.8% vs. 8.5%; P < 0.001) anaemia. It was revealed that the children with no MDD had a significantly higher likelihood of being anaemic than children with MDD in model-1 [aOR: 2.09; CI: 1.23, 3.55] and model-3 [aOR: 1.70; CI: 1.01, 3.01]. Children with mothers who never attended school had significantly higher odds for anaemia in reference to those children whose mothers ever attended school in model-2 [aOR: 3.62; CI: 2.07,6.34] and model-3 [aOR: 3.00; CI: 1.62,5.56]. Conclusion: Measures to alleviate under-five anaemia should include empowering and educating women, expanding access to supplementation, fortification programmes, and promoting and raising awareness about feeding diverse foods, while also considering the socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to outpatient therapeutic feeding programs (OTP) for all children who have uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a global public health priority. Identifying predictors that determine time-to-recovery from severe acute malnutrition optimize therapeutic success. However, reliable evidence on the determinants of time to recovery at health posts was not available in Nagele Arsi district of South Ethiopia. Objective: This study was aimed to identify determinants of time-to-recovery from uncomplicated SAM among children aged (6–59) months treated at an OTP in health posts of Nagele Arsi district, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 357 children treated in Negele Arsi district from July1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. The children were selected using simple random sampling from 20 health posts. SAM treatment outcomes were compared against international SPHERE standards. The average time-to-recovery was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the independent predictors of time to recovery were determined using multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model. The strength of the association was done using adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05. The results were presented by text, tables and figures. Result: A total of 284 (79.6%) children recovered during follow up. The mean weight gain for recovered children was 4.7 + 2.4 g/kg/day. The median time-to-recovery was 44 days 95% CI (42.7–45.3). Children who received Amoxicillin, AHR =2.574, 95% CI (1.879–3.525); de-wormed, AHR = 1.519, 95% CI (1.137–2.031); received Vitamin A, AHR = 2.518, 95% CI, (1.921–3.301) and new admissions, AHR = 1.823, 95%CI, (1.224–2.715) were more likely to recover. However, those who admitted with non-edema, AHR = 0.256, 95% CI, (0.189–0.346); had cough at admission, AHR = 0.513, 95 CI, (0.366–0.719) and had diarrhea at admission AHR = 0.5, 95% CI, 0.5 (0.350–0.712) were less likely to recover. Conclusion and recommendation: The recovery rate was within the acceptable ranges of International Sphere Standards. Those children who had cough and diarrhea should be given due attention from health extension workers and program planners. Appropriate provision of routine medication and timely intervention of co-morbidity are needed to increase chance of early recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cobalamin and folate are essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids and in the maintenance of myelin. They are required during the period of the rapid growth of infancy and childhood. Their deficiency may result in nutritional anemia and neurological manifestations. There is paucity of literature regarding the prevalence of cobalamin and folate deficiency among North Indian children aged 6–59 months. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of serum cobalamin and folate deficiency among children aged 6–59 months, attending a secondary care hospital. Settings and Design: Children were recruited from pediatrics OPD of the sub-district hospital (SDH), Ballabgarh, Haryana, through systematic random sampling. Hemoglobin was measured by an automated analyzer. Serum cobalamin and serum folate were estimated using enhanced chemiluminescence based immunoassay. Results: A total of 420 children were recruited, of which 392 provided a blood specimen. Prevalence of cobalamin, folate deficiency, and anemia were 22.3% (95% CI: 18.3–26.7), 10.9% (95% CI: 8.2–14.6), and 81.9% (95% CI 77.7–85.4), respectively. The proportion of children with cobalamin deficiency who had anemia was 97.7% compared to 95.7% among those with no cobalamin deficiency (P = 0.396). Similarly, the proportion of children with folate deficiency who had anemia was 95.2% compared to 96.2% among those with no folate deficiency (P = 0.765). Conclusion: We found that almost one in five children aged 6–59 were deficient in cobalamin, and one in ten were deficient in folate.

Context: Cobalamin and folate are essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids and in the maintenance of myelin. They are required during the period of the rapid growth of infancy and childhood. Their deficiency may result in nutritional anemia and neurological manifestations. There is paucity of literature regarding the prevalence of cobalamin and folate deficiency among North Indian children aged 6–59 months. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of serum cobalamin and folate deficiency among children aged 6–59 months, attending a secondary care hospital. Settings and Design: Children were recruited from pediatrics OPD of the sub-district hospital (SDH), Ballabgarh, Haryana, through systematic random sampling. Hemoglobin was measured by an automated analyzer. Serum cobalamin and serum folate were estimated using enhanced chemiluminescence based immunoassay. Results: A total of 420 children were recruited, of which 392 provided a blood specimen. Prevalence of cobalamin, folate deficiency, and anemia were 22.3% (95% CI: 18.3–26.7), 10.9% (95% CI: 8.2–14.6), and 81.9% (95% CI 77.7–85.4), respectively. The proportion of children with cobalamin deficiency who had anemia was 97.7% compared to 95.7% among those with no cobalamin deficiency (P = 0.396). Similarly, the proportion of children with folate deficiency who had anemia was 95.2% compared to 96.2% among those with no folate deficiency (P = 0.765). Conclusion: We found that almost one in five children aged 6–59 were deficient in cobalamin, and one in ten were deficient in folate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In Ethiopia more than half of the children under 5 years are anemic and between 2011 and 2016 anemia in children under-5 increased by 28.7%. This study aimed to analyze this increase in anemia by socio-demographic characteristics. Method This study was a secondary analysis of the data from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys (EDHS) for 2011 and 2016. The increase of anemia was calculated using percentage change. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between anemia and six predictor variables of age, sex, mother’s educational level, residence, wealth quintile and region. The strength of association was measured using Cramer’s V. Results Anemia increased in all age groups, both sexes, urban and rural residencies, across all wealth quintiles, all maternal education levels and all regions of Ethiopia except Benishangul Gumuz. The highest increase of anemia was seen among children born to mothers with above secondary education (65.8%), living in urban areas (40.1%), in the lowest wealth quintile (41.5%), and children from Tigray region (42.9%). Severe anemia increased in all age categories except in infants aged 9–11 months. Children of mothers with above secondary educational level had the highest increase of mild and moderate anemia. Severe anemia decreased in the second and middle wealth quintiles whereas it increased in the rest quintiles. Benishangul Gumuz is the only region where mild, moderate, and severe anemia decreased. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test showed that all the predictor variables except sex were significantly associated with anemia. Although highly significant (p

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to identify determinants of underweight among 6–59 months old children in Berahle Woreda, Afar, North East Ethiopia, in 2016. Result The median age (IQR) of cases and controls were 24 (34) and 18 (23) months respectively and 51.6% of the children were not exclusively breast-fed but 64.8% controls were exclusively breastfed. Age group of 48–59 months (AOR = 11.93; 95% CI 3.88–36.67), illiterate mothers (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.19–4.55), low dietary diversity (AOR = 4.57; 95% CI 2.40–8.69), diarrhea in the past of 2 weeks (AOR = 2.93; 95% CI 1.46–5.85), birth interval (AOR = 5.17; 95% CI 2.37–11.26) and unprotected source of water (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.42–4.85) were determinant factors of underweight.

Abstract Background Despite the decline in the rate of stunting in Ethiopia, the prevalence is still high and needs immense efforts to achieve the target set to reduce the prevalence. It varies between localities due to individual level factors and dominant livelihood practice in the community. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stunting and identify factors associated with it in Sodo Zuria district in South Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 342 children aged 6–59 months paired with mothers/caretakers. Households were selected using systematic sampling. Structured questionnaire was used and mothers/caregivers were interviewed face to face. Standardized anthropometric measurements were used to measure length, and weight and height of a child. Data were entered into Epi Info software version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Height for age Z score data were analyzed using WHO Anthro software. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictor variables. Statistical significance was considered at p 1500, and children who received pre-lacteal feeding (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.2–12.2) became predictors for stunting. Conclusion Significant proportion of stunting was found where one third of them were severely stunted. Being female, children aged 12–23 months, using family planning, children with diarrheal morbidity, income and pre-lacteal feeding became predictors for stunting. So Gender-based policies should be enacted in child feeding practice, interventions should focus on the utilization of family planning and appropriate child caring and feeding practices. Water, sanitation and hygiene interventions need to be strengthened.

Context: Under nutrition has long been a major public health concern in developing country like India as a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality. The study was aimed to assess the malnutrition and factors associated with it. The study was conducted to assess under nutrition in under five children and various associated factors affecting it. Methodology A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 400 under five children of rural and urban Rishikesh. Multistage sampling method was used to select the areas and systematic random sampling was used to select households. A predesigned, pre tested & semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information on various associated factors and status of under nutrition in study participants. Data was entered into excel sheets and analyzed using SPSS utilizing appropriate statistical test. Results: The prevalence of underweight was 37.3%, stunting was 43.3% and wasting was 24.5% respectively. Socio-demographic factors, child birth weight and birth order, hand washing practice by mother and common morbidity emerged as significant predictors of under nutrition. Conclusion: The burden of common morbidities and prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children in this community is very high. Our policies should aim to improve child health nutrition and growth.

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to determine the prevalence of wasting and underweight, and identify associated factors in Sodo Zuria district in South Ethiopia. Results The prevalence of wasting and underweight were 11.1% and 14.0%, respectively. Wasting was significantly associated with male gender, diarrheal morbidity 2 weeks prior to the study and early initiation of complementary feeding. Predictors of underweight were diarrheal morbidity 2 weeks prior to the study and paternal illiteracy. The prevalence of wasting and underweight among under-five children is common in the study area. Diarrheal morbidity was associated with both wasting and underweight. Interventions targeting prevention of diarrheal morbidity through hygienic practices and creating awareness on infant feeding practices need to be implemented in the study area.

Objective: To find out the determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among under-five children in East Africa based on the 2017 revised indicator. Methods: Secondary data from the demographic and health survey (DHS) of eight countries in East Africa were combined. A total of 27,223 weighted samples of children aged 6-59 months were included. Multi-level logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the determinants of dietary diversity. Results: The magnitude of adequate MDD in East Africa was found to be 10.47% with 95% CI (10.12-10.84) with the lowest and highest magnitude in Ethiopia and Rwanda respectively. Having a mother in the age group of 35-49, having a mother with higher educational attainment, and having a post-natal check-up within 2 months were significant factors in determining adequate MDD. Conclusion: The magnitude of adequate MDD intake among children aged 6-59 months in East Africa is relatively low. Therefore, strengthening interventions focused on improving the economic status of households, the educational status of mothers, and diversified food consumption of children aged 6-59 months should get priority to improve the recommended feeding practice of children., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Raru, Merga, Mulatu, Deressa, Birhanu, Negash, Gamachu, Regassa, Ayana and Roba.)

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem but the burden of anemia is disproportionately borne among children in developing countries. Anemia in early stages of life has serious consequences on the growth and development of the children. We examine the prevalence of anemia, possible association between anemia and different socio-economic, demographic, health and other factors among children with ages from 6 to 59 months from the nationally representative 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS).Methods: Data on hemoglobin (Hb) concentration among the children aged 6-59 months from the most recent BDHS (2011) were used. This nationally representative survey allowed a multistage stratified cluster sampling design and provided data on a wide range of indicators such as fertility, mortality, women and child health, nutrition and other background characteristics. Anemia status was determined using hemoglobin level (<11.0 g/dl), and weighted prevalence of childhood anemia along with 95 % confidence intervals were provided. We also examined the distribution of weighted anemia prevalence across different groups and performed logistic regression to assess the association of anemia with different factors.Results: A total of 2171 children aged 6-59 months were identified for this analysis, with weighted prevalence of anemia being 51.9 % overall- 47.4 % in urban and 53.1 % in rural regions. Results of a multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, children below 24 months of age (odds ratio, [OR] 3.01; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.38-3.81), and those from an anemic mother (OR 1.80; 95 % CI 1.49-2.18) were at higher risk of anemia. Childhood anemia was significantly associated with chronic malnutrition of child, source of drinking water, household wealth and geographical location (defined by division).Conclusions: A high prevalence of anemia among 6-59 months aged children was observed in Bangladesh. Given the negative impact of anemia on the development of children in future, there is an urgent need for effective and efficient remedial public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]