Cultural factors influencing Iron Deficiency Anaemia among children below five years at Bujubuli Health Centre IV, Kyegegwa district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/twg6p246Keywords:
Food unsuitability beliefs, Cultural factors, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Children below five yearsAbstract
Background:
To identify cultural factors influencing Iron Deficiency Anaemia among children below five years at Bujubuli Health Centre IV, Kyegegwa district.
Method:
A hospital-based cross-sectional study at Bujubuli Health Centre IV, Kyegegwa District. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and a systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the 96 study participants. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 22.
Results:
(75%), were married, 4.2% were widows or widowers. Among the 22 caregivers who delayed visiting the health facility, 16 (72.7%) of their children were anaemic. Among the 74 who sought timely medical care, only 21 (28.4%) of their children had IDA. Children whose caregivers believe illnesses are caused by spiritual forces had a high anaemia prevalence (72.2%). Those who rejected the belief had a much lower prevalence (28.3%). Of the 28 caregivers who reported avoiding certain foods for young children, 18 (64.3%) of their children were anaemic. Among the 25 respondents who introduced complementary feeding before 6 months, IDA prevalence was high (60%). The lowest prevalence (28.3%) occurred among those who started at the recommended time of 6 months. Delayed (45.5%) or early initiation of complementary feeding appears to increase anaemia risk. Cultural discouragement of animal-source foods such as meats and dairy products was associated with a high prevalence of Iron deficiency anaemia (62.5%). Children of caregivers who used traditional remedies had a much higher prevalence of IDA (60%) compared to those who did not (26.2%).
Conclusion:
Food unsuitability beliefs, introduction of complementary meals before 6 months, and delayed seeking of medical care were the significant cultural factors influencing Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Children below five years at Bujubuli Health Centre IV.
Recommendations:Pregnant mothers should be well educated on how to take care of their newborn babies and children during antenatal care services.
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