Etiology of Anemia Among Preschool Children in Ethiopia

Background: Although the country made a significant change in the burden of malnutrition in all its forms in the past two decades, the issue remains unacceptably high across all regions of Ethiopia. The national prevalence of anemia among children 6-59 months was very high 57% and one of the public health concerns in 2016. Although the country is known as a data-rich country, in some specific indicators, there is a lack of data and evidence to alleviate the nutritional gaps through an informed decision-making process. In this particular case, there is a lack of evidence relating to child anemia in Ethiopia, especially since there is no comprehensive information about the determinant factors of anemia.

Objective: The objective of the current survey is to determine the etiology of anemia and its public health implications among under-five children in selected ecological zones of Ethiopia at different seasons.

Method: This survey will be a community-based, longitudinal panel study and will be conducted in two different (post-harvest and pre-harvest) seasons in the 2014 Ethiopian calendar year. A nationally representative sample was calculated and allocated to three purposely selected regions (Amhara, Southern Nation, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), and Somali) in consideration of three different ecological zones (lowlands, midlands, and highlands). The study population will be children aged 6 - 59 months with caregivers/mothers with a sample size of 1212 under-five children from 1212 households. The indicators collected for the survey are dietary intake, anthropometric measurement, and biological samples (Blood and Stool).

Expected benefit: The findings of this survey will provide information on the etiology of anemia that will inform short-term policy decisions, especially for case-specific nutrition-sensitive interventions, and that will contribute to long-term policy decisions for comprehensive nutrition intervention programs.

Inclusion criteria

• Children 6-53 months during the baseline survey and who have stayed more than 6 months in the selected household of the Amhara or SNNPR or Somali regions of Ethiopia and have no plan to move from the study area during the study period

Exclusion criteria

• Children older than the youngest child between 6-53 months of age (If more than one eligible child is in the Household) during the baseline survey.
• Children with severe illness
• Guests
• If participants lose their willingness to participate in this study