Factors associated with prevalence of Anaemia among the general population in Arusha municipality

A cross-sectional, community based health survey was conducted in an urban population of Arusha Municipality between mid June to August, 1993. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with prevalence of anaemia among the general population. A total of 1074 subjects, aged between 6 months to 84 years were investigated. A multi-stage sampling method was used and house to house interview using a questionnaire was conducted. The data was analysed by SPSS programme. Results showed that the overall prevalence of anaemia was according to WHO cut-off point. The different physiologic groups was 52% 6 months to 6 years old (Hb<llg/dl); in children 6 years to 14 years old (Hb<12g/dl);41%(66/161) for pregnant women (Hb11lg/d1); 37% (76/205) for non-pregnant women (Hb112g/d1) and 42% (47/113) for adult males (Hb113g/d1).46.0% (495/1074) prevalence rates among (167/324) for children 51% (139/271) in children of 6 years to 14 years old (Hb<12g/dl); 41% (66/161) for pregnant women (Hb<11g/dl); 37% (76/205) for non pregant women (Hb<12g/dl) and 42% (47/113) for adult males (Hb<13g/dl). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression procedure showed that malaria and hookworm infections were significantly associated with anaemia in all age groups, except for adult males; (OR =7.6;95%CI=2.7,20.6;M-H Chi-square test = 96.1, P-value =O.OO;df=1 and OR=3.1;95% CI=1.1,8.9; M-H Chi-square test= 29.0; P-value = O.OO,df=1) respectively. Conversely attendance to antenatal clinics (ANC) and maternal education were significantly associated with a lesser risk of being anaemic compared to non-attendance or non-educated subjects; (OR=0.37; 95% CI=0.18,0.77 and OR=0.43; 95%CI=0.18, 1.0) respectively. Consumption of fruits and vegetables at the meal time has demonstrated a mild protective effect on anaemia; (OR=0.8; 95% CI=0.6,1.1; and OR=0.84; 95%CI=0.65;1.1) respectively. About 87% of the adult respondents, cited diet alone or dietary measures combined with other methods as appropriate modes of anaemia prevention. Wage labourers and those doing business were significantly associated with increased positive perception on anaemia prevention, (OR=0.58,95%CI=0.36,0.94;M-H Chi-square test=8.2,P-value=0.004;df=1). Anaemia is a public health problem in Arusha Municipality. A combined approach, including parasites control and dietary modification, were suggested measures on anaemia control.