Trends and Determinants of Anemia in Children Under Five: A Retrospective Study at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania

Anemia remains a significant public health issue among children under five, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to impaired cognitive and physical development, increased morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among children attending Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania, using a retrospective cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from medical records of 374 children from 2015 to 2020, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and risk factors. The findings revealed a steady decline in anemia prevalence from 72% in 2015 to 33% in 2020, suggesting improved healthcare interventions. However, anemia remained prevalent, particularly among children under two years old (AOR=7.8, P=0.001), those with malaria infections (AOR=19.66, P=0.001), and those consuming tea with sugar (AOR=0.052, P=0.007). While female children were more affected in 2015, male children had higher prevalence rates in subsequent years. Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with low consumption of iron-rich foods and high intake of inhibitory substances such as tea contributing to anemia. The study underscores the multifactorial nature of anemia, involving nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and cultural dietary practices. The observed decline in prevalence reflects progress in healthcare services, yet the persistence of high anemia rates highlights the need for sustained interventions. It is recommended that targeted public health measures be intensified, including community-based nutrition education programs, increased access to iron supplementation, malaria prevention strategies, and awareness campaigns on dietary practices. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders should collaborate to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable anemia control programs. Further research is needed to explore additional underlying causes and evaluate the effectiveness of current intervention strategies in reducing anemia burden among children in Tanzania.