Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania

Asha Shaibu Saidi; Amina Ramadhani Issae

doi:doi:10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15

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Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania

Asha Shaibu Saidi

, Amina Ramadhani Issae^*

Published in Central African Journal of Public Health (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 24 March 2025 Accepted: 1 April 2025 Published: 29 April 2025

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Abstract

Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania, using a retrospective cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from medical records of 374 children from 2015 to 2020, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and risk factors. The findings revealed a steady decline in anemia prevalence from 72% in 2015 to 33% in 2020, suggesting improved healthcare interventions. However, anemia remained prevalent, particularly among children under two years old (AOR=7.8, P=0.001), those with malaria infections (AOR=19.66, P=0.001), and those consuming tea with sugar (AOR=0.052, P=0.007). While female children were more affected in 2015, male children had higher prevalence rates in subsequent years. Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with low consumption of iron-rich foods and high intake of inhibitory substances such as tea contributing to anemia. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of anemia, involving nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and cultural dietary practices. The observed decline in prevalence reflects progress in healthcare services, yet the persistence of high anemia rates highlights the need for sustained interventions. It is recommended that targeted public health measures be intensified, including community-based nutrition education programs, increased access to iron supplementation, malaria prevention strategies, and awareness campaigns on dietary practices. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders should collaborate to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable anemia control programs. Further research is needed to explore additional underlying causes and evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies in reducing anemia burden among children in Tanzania.

Published in	Central African Journal of Public Health (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
Page(s)	84-90
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Anemia, Children, Risk Factors, Morogoro Hospital, Tanzania

References

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[2]	Noreen, S., Bashir, S., Bano, S., Fatima, T., Sani, A., Imran, S., Saeed, Z., Naseer, A., Ijaaz, R., Riaz, K., & Khan, M. Anemia and Its Consequences on the Human Body: A Comprehensive Overview. NUST Journal of Natural Sciences, 5(2), 2020. https://doi.org/10.53992/njns.v5i2.49
[3]	WHO. Haemoglobin Concentration for the Diagnosis of Anemia and Assessment of Severity. Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2011.
[4]	Black, R. E., Victora, C. G., Walker, S. P., Bhutta, Z. A., Christian, P., De Onis, M., Ezzati, M., Grantham-McGregor, S., Katz, J., Martorell, R., & Uauy, R. Maternal and Child Undernutrition and Overweight in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries. The Lancet, 382(9890), 2013, pp. 427-451. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60937-X
[5]	Tulchinsky, T. H. Micronutrient Deficiency Conditions: Global Health Issues. Public Health Reviews, 32(1), 2010, pp. 243-255. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF0339160
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[7]	Foote, E. M., Sullivan, K. M., Ruth, L. J., Oremo, J., Sadumah, I., Williams, T. N., & Suchdev, P. S. Determinants of Anemia Among Preschool Children in Rural, Western Kenya. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 88(4), 2013, pp. 757-764. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.12-0560
[8]	Kejo, D., Petrucka, P. M., Martin, H., Kimanya, M. E., & Mosha, T. C. Prevalence and Predictors of Anemia Among Children Under 5 Years of Age in Arusha District, Tanzania. Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 9, 2018, pp. 9-15. https://doi.org/10.2147/PHMT.S148515
[9]	Ayoya, M. A., Ngnie-Teta, I., Séraphin, M. N., Mamadoultaibou, A., Boldon, E., Saint-Fleur, J. E., Koo, L., & Bernard, S. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia Among Children 6-59 Months Old in Haiti. Anemia, 2013(1), 2013, p. 502968. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/502968
[10]	Ishijima, H., Teshima, M., Kasahara, Y., Miyamoto, N., Masaule, F., & John, R. Comprehensive Approach for Strengthening the Management of Regional Referral Hospitals in Tanzania. Journal of Hospital Administration, 9(5), 2020. https://doi.org/10.5430/jha.v9n5p1
[11]	MOHCDGEC, MOH, NBS, et al. Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey (THDS-MIS) 2015-2016. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Rockville, Maryland, USA, 2016.
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[17]	Smithson, P., Florey, L., Salgado, S. R., Hershey, C. L., Masanja, H., Bhattarai, A., Mwita, A., McElroy, P. D., & Tanzania Malaria Impact Evaluation Research Group. Impact of Malaria Control on Mortality and Anemia Among Tanzanian Children Less Than Five Years of Age, 1999-2010. PLOS ONE, 10(11), 2015, p. e0141112. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141112
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APA Style

Saidi, A. S., Issae, A. R. (2025). Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Central African Journal of Public Health, 11(2), 84-90. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15

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ACS Style

Saidi, A. S.; Issae, A. R. Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Cent. Afr. J. Public Health 2025, 11(2), 84-90. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15

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AMA Style

Saidi AS, Issae AR. Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Cent Afr J Public Health. 2025;11(2):84-90. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15

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@article{10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15,
  author = {Asha Shaibu Saidi and Amina Ramadhani Issae},
  title = {Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania
},
  journal = {Central African Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {84-90},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cajph.20251102.15},
  abstract = {Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania, using a retrospective cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from medical records of 374 children from 2015 to 2020, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and risk factors. The findings revealed a steady decline in anemia prevalence from 72% in 2015 to 33% in 2020, suggesting improved healthcare interventions. However, anemia remained prevalent, particularly among children under two years old (AOR=7.8, P=0.001), those with malaria infections (AOR=19.66, P=0.001), and those consuming tea with sugar (AOR=0.052, P=0.007). While female children were more affected in 2015, male children had higher prevalence rates in subsequent years. Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with low consumption of iron-rich foods and high intake of inhibitory substances such as tea contributing to anemia. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of anemia, involving nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and cultural dietary practices. The observed decline in prevalence reflects progress in healthcare services, yet the persistence of high anemia rates highlights the need for sustained interventions. It is recommended that targeted public health measures be intensified, including community-based nutrition education programs, increased access to iron supplementation, malaria prevention strategies, and awareness campaigns on dietary practices. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders should collaborate to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable anemia control programs. Further research is needed to explore additional underlying causes and evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies in reducing anemia burden among children in Tanzania.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania

AU  - Asha Shaibu Saidi
AU  - Amina Ramadhani Issae
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
T2  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JF  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JO  - Central African Journal of Public Health
SP  - 84
EP  - 90
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5781
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
AB  - Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania, using a retrospective cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from medical records of 374 children from 2015 to 2020, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and risk factors. The findings revealed a steady decline in anemia prevalence from 72% in 2015 to 33% in 2020, suggesting improved healthcare interventions. However, anemia remained prevalent, particularly among children under two years old (AOR=7.8, P=0.001), those with malaria infections (AOR=19.66, P=0.001), and those consuming tea with sugar (AOR=0.052, P=0.007). While female children were more affected in 2015, male children had higher prevalence rates in subsequent years. Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with low consumption of iron-rich foods and high intake of inhibitory substances such as tea contributing to anemia. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of anemia, involving nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and cultural dietary practices. The observed decline in prevalence reflects progress in healthcare services, yet the persistence of high anemia rates highlights the need for sustained interventions. It is recommended that targeted public health measures be intensified, including community-based nutrition education programs, increased access to iron supplementation, malaria prevention strategies, and awareness campaigns on dietary practices. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders should collaborate to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable anemia control programs. Further research is needed to explore additional underlying causes and evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies in reducing anemia burden among children in Tanzania.

VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Asha Shaibu Saidi

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-4794-2498
Amina Ramadhani Issae

Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1691-0933

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APA Style

Saidi, A. S., Issae, A. R. (2025). Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Central African Journal of Public Health, 11(2), 84-90. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15

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ACS Style

Saidi, A. S.; Issae, A. R. Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Cent. Afr. J. Public Health 2025, 11(2), 84-90. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15

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AMA Style

Saidi AS, Issae AR. Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. Cent Afr J Public Health. 2025;11(2):84-90. doi: 10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15

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@article{10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15,
  author = {Asha Shaibu Saidi and Amina Ramadhani Issae},
  title = {Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania
},
  journal = {Central African Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {84-90},
  doi = {10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.cajph.20251102.15},
  abstract = {Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania, using a retrospective cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from medical records of 374 children from 2015 to 2020, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and risk factors. The findings revealed a steady decline in anemia prevalence from 72% in 2015 to 33% in 2020, suggesting improved healthcare interventions. However, anemia remained prevalent, particularly among children under two years old (AOR=7.8, P=0.001), those with malaria infections (AOR=19.66, P=0.001), and those consuming tea with sugar (AOR=0.052, P=0.007). While female children were more affected in 2015, male children had higher prevalence rates in subsequent years. Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with low consumption of iron-rich foods and high intake of inhibitory substances such as tea contributing to anemia. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of anemia, involving nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and cultural dietary practices. The observed decline in prevalence reflects progress in healthcare services, yet the persistence of high anemia rates highlights the need for sustained interventions. It is recommended that targeted public health measures be intensified, including community-based nutrition education programs, increased access to iron supplementation, malaria prevention strategies, and awareness campaigns on dietary practices. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders should collaborate to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable anemia control programs. Further research is needed to explore additional underlying causes and evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies in reducing anemia burden among children in Tanzania.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania

AU  - Asha Shaibu Saidi
AU  - Amina Ramadhani Issae
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
T2  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JF  - Central African Journal of Public Health
JO  - Central African Journal of Public Health
SP  - 84
EP  - 90
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5781
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.cajph.20251102.15
AB  - Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania, using a retrospective cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from medical records of 374 children from 2015 to 2020, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and risk factors. The findings revealed a steady decline in anemia prevalence from 72% in 2015 to 33% in 2020, suggesting improved healthcare interventions. However, anemia remained prevalent, particularly among children under two years old (AOR=7.8, P=0.001), those with malaria infections (AOR=19.66, P=0.001), and those consuming tea with sugar (AOR=0.052, P=0.007). While female children were more affected in 2015, male children had higher prevalence rates in subsequent years. Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with low consumption of iron-rich foods and high intake of inhibitory substances such as tea contributing to anemia. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of anemia, involving nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and cultural dietary practices. The observed decline in prevalence reflects progress in healthcare services, yet the persistence of high anemia rates highlights the need for sustained interventions. It is recommended that targeted public health measures be intensified, including community-based nutrition education programs, increased access to iron supplementation, malaria prevention strategies, and awareness campaigns on dietary practices. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders should collaborate to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable anemia control programs. Further research is needed to explore additional underlying causes and evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies in reducing anemia burden among children in Tanzania.

VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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