SPATIAL CLUSTERING AND THE DETERMINANTS OF CHILDHOOD ANEMIA IN ETHIOPIA

Erkihun Tadesse*, Tiruneh Ayele

1 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia

2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics School of Public health, College of medical and health sciences, wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia

Email:

ET (erkihunt@yahoo.com)

P.o.box: 1145

TA  (tirunehayele@yahoo.com)

Abstract

Introduction: The magnitude of child hood anemia increased from 44% in 2011 to 56% in 2016 in five years. Thus, Even if the Ethiopian government applied tremendous efforts, anemia in children still continues as a major public health problem.  So exploring spatial distribution and identifying determinants factors of anemia helps to design Strategies for targeted intervention.

Objective: To explore the spatial clustering and determinants of childhood anemia in Ethiopia.

Methods: For this study data from the recent 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey were used. A total of 8602 children aged 6–59 months were included in the analysis. They were selected by stratified two-stage cluster sampling techniques. Sat Scan version 9.4 was also used to identify childhood anemia by geographic clusters and ArcGIS version10.1 was used to show anemia cases across Regions of Ethiopia. Thus to declare factors that are statistically related with anemia among under-five children a mixed effect logistic regression model was used.

Findings: This study showed there is spatial clustering of childhood anemia throughout Ethiopia (Moran’s I: 0.65, p<0.001). Statistically significant clusters were detected in Somali, Afar, Harari and southern part of Oromia regions (P<0.001).  Age of child, wealth index, mother’s current working status, maternal anemic status, number of living children in the family, history of fever, and stunting were significant factors associated with anemia among under-five children.

Conclusion: In the country childhood anemia showed spatial clustering. Regions high risk of childhood anemia should be emphasized by allocating additional resources and providing appropriate interventions which have public health implications.

Key words: childhood anemia, Determinants, Ethiopia, Spatial Clustering