Prevalence of anaemia and parasitic infections among underfive children in Simanjiro

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anaemia and parasitic infections among <5 years old children of the pastoral community in Simanjiro District, northern Tanzania. The haemoglobin concentration was determined from a finger-prick capillary blood sample using haemocue meter. The haemoglobin concentration measurements were according to WHO recommended cut-off points for children underfive years of age. Malaria parasites were determined from a finger-prick blood sample stained by Giemsa and examined under oil immersion microscope. Faecal specimens for investigation of intestinal parasites were examined under low power objective microscope. Results indicated that 47.6% of children were anaemic of which 20.8% were mildly anaemic, 21.6% moderately anaemic and 5.2% severely anaemic. Prevalence of malaria was 20% among children screened. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, in children one year and above, was 48.9%. Of these 9.8% had Ancylostoma duodenale, 19.6% Ascaris lumbricoides 4.9%, Enterobius vermicularis and 14.7% had Trichuris trichiura. Malaria and the presence of intestinal parasites were significantly associated with anaemia (P<0,05). The results of this study conclude that anaemia is a problem in the community and some of the contributing factors are malaria and intestinal parasites.