Análise da prevalência e dos factores associados à anemia em crianças menores de 5 anos em Moçambique

Abstract

Anemia is a condition characterized by an insufficient number of red blood cells, resulting in a reduced capacity to transport oxygen to body tissues. In Mozambique, anemia among children under the age of five remains among the highest in the world. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and associated factors of anemia in children under five years of age in Mozambique. Data were obtained from the 2022–2023 Demographic and Health Sur- vey (DHS), accessed through an authorization request submitted by the author. Statistical procedures suitable for complex sampling designs were applied to account for the survey’s sampling structure. The analysis included graphs, frequency tables, and binary logistic re- gression to identify factors associated with childhood anemia. The sample consisted of 3,388 children under five years of age, approximately 73.0% of whom were classified as anemic. Most children lived in households in the lowest wealth quintile (26.6%). Based on the bi- variate analysis, variables were selected for the multivariate model. Factors statistically associated with childhood anemia included: child’s age, area and province of residence, we- alth quintile, mother’s age, marital status, education level, nutritional status and anemia diagnosis, birth interval, duration of breastfeeding, main source of drinking water, place of delivery, and access to media (radio and television). The final model showed a correct clas- sification rate of 73.3%, indicating acceptable predictive performance.