Factors Affecting Child Anaemia in Cameroon

Abstract

Anaemia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. World Health Organization estimated that anaemia affects one-quarter of the world's population and is concentrated within preschool age children and in resource-poor countries like Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that affect child anaemia in the country and to formulate recommendations that may help reduce its effect on these children. Data for this study were collected as part of the Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) which was conducted in 2011. The CDHS is a nationally representative sample survey that is meant to be conducted on a five year interval. In about half of the households where interviews were conducted, a consent form was introduced and children between the ages of 6 months and 59 months were tested for anaemia using the Hemocue system. In all, six thousand, one hundred and twenty (6120) children below the age of five were screened for anaemia.