Assessing anaemia in young children across the districts of 4 sub-Saharan African countries

What is it about?

This study investigates the spatial variation and risk factors of childhood anaemia in four contiguous sub-Saharan African countries, namely Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. The spatial variation is assessed according to the sampled cluster in which the child resides. The study revealed significant spatial variation within and between the counties/districts of the four countries. In addition, the study made use of an appropriate statistical method to be able to rank the performance of the districts with regard to anaemia risk.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The existence of significant spatial variation within and between the districts of the countries means that further research into the local district-specific drivers of childhood anaemia should be focused on, especially as a one size-fits-all strategy for anaemia control would not benefit these countries with such spatial variation present. The ranking of each district’s performance with regard to their impact on childhood anaemia, after controlling for known sources of individual, household, and spatial variation, allowed the worst performing districts to be identified and targeted for action, as well as the best performing districts to be identified for further investigation so as to be used as examples in the fight against childhood anaemia.

Perspectives