부산대학교 도서관

Objective: To examine the factors influencing the occurrence of childhood anemia in northeast India. Method: A nationally representative systematic multistage stratified cross-sectional sample of singleton children aged 6-59 months from all states of India. Data consist of 10,136 children in the age group 6-59 months in eight northeastern states. The level of anemia was the outcome variable with four ordinal categories (severe, moderate, mild, and non-anemic). A two-level random intercept multivariate logistic regression model was considered with state of residence as the level-2 variable. Results: About 53% of the children are anemic in the northeastern states of India. Tripura has the highest prevalence of anemia cases (74%), whereas the lowest percentage of anemia cases was in Manipur (42%). Multivariate analysis suggests that age at marriage (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.21) and the number of children ever born (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.15) have significant effects on being at or below a hemoglobin level (severely anemic). Furthermore, age of the child (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86 - 1.00) was a significant predictor, indicating that odds of severe anemia decrease if the child is 48 months or older. Conclusions: The high prevalence of mild and moderate anemia demands due emphasis in the programs and policies of the government so that the overall prevalence of anemia among children aged 6-59 months can be reduced. Comprehensive strategies need to focus more at state level followed by individual level for combating anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]