1. DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES
PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIAAMONG CHILDREN UNDER
FIVE YEARS IN THE GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL
HOSPITAL
PATIENCE MENSAH (BMLT/22/0268)
1
2. INTRODUCTION 1/4
Anaemia is a widespread health concern affecting millions of children
worldwide, particularly those under the age of five (UNICEF, 2018).
Anaemia, defined as a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood
cells or hemoglobin, can lead to various adverse effects on children's physical
and cognitive development (WHO, 2011).
Studies have shown that the prevalence of anaemia among children under five
years is influenced by a multitude of factors, including nutritional deficiencies,
parasitic infections, and socioeconomic disparities (Sazawal et al., 2010;
Osazuwa et al., 2013). 2
3. INTRODUCTION 2/4
• According to a recent survey conducted at the GARH, the prevalence of
anaemia among children under five years was found to be alarmingly high,
with an estimated rate of 40% (Regional Health Directorate, 2022)
• This finding highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and
comprehensive public health strategies to address this issue effectively.
3
4. INTRODUCTION 3/4
• Anaemia has far-reaching consequences on the physical, cognitive, and socio-economic
development of young children (Grantham-McGregor et al., 2007).
• Multiple factors contribute to the high prevalence of anaemia in this population. Nutritional
deficiencies, including iron, vitamin B12, and folate, play a crucial role in the development
of anaemia (Sazawal et al., 2010).
• Research has demonstrated that anaemia can impair cognitive development, leading to
long-term effects on educational achievement and productivity in later life (Grantham-
McGregor et al., 2007).
• Hence, tackling anaemia among children under five is crucial not only for their immediate
well-being but also for the overall socio-economic development of the Greater Accra
region.
4
PROBLEM STATEMENT AND JUSTIFICATION
5. INTRODUCTION 4/4
AIM
To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in children under five years at
the greater Accra regional hospital.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
• Determine the prevalence of anaemia among children under five years in the Greater
Accra regional hospital.
• Identify the major contributing factors to anaemia in this specific population, including
nutritional deficiencies, parasitic infections, and socio-economic disparities.
• Assess the impact of anaemia on the physical and cognitive development of young
children in the Greater Accra region.
• Propose evidence-based interventions and strategies to effectively reduce the burden of
anaemia among children under five years in the Greater Accra regional hospital. 5
6. MATERIALS AND METHODS
STUDY
SITE
GREATER
ACCRA
REGIONAL
HOSPITAL
STUDY
DESIGN
CROSS-
SECTIONAL
STUDY
SAMPLE
SIZE
CHILDREN
UNDER FIVE
YEARS (324)
SAMPLING
TECHNIQUE:
MULTISTAGE
EXCLUSION
CHILDREN WITH
KNOWN CHRONIC
CONDITIONS OR
RECEIVING
REGULAR BLOOD
TRANSFUSIONS
WILL BE
EXCLUDED.11
11
INCLUSION
AGED BETWEEN 6
AND 59 MONTHS
VISITING GARH
ETHICAL
CLEARANCE
OBTAINED GARH
AND BALDWIN
ETHICS
COMMITTEE
DATA
COLLECTION
QUESTIONNAIRE
CLINICAL
HISTORY
BLOOD SAMPLES
DATA
ANALYSIS
MS EXCEL
SPSS v 22
6
DATA HANDLING
KEPT
UNDISCLOSED
AND USED
FOR THE
STUDY ONLY
7. LABORATORY PROCEDURE
1. Sample Collection
Patient information (eg. Age)
Venipuncture
2. Blood Testing
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
3. Data Recording and Storage
Record Results
Sample Coding
Data Storage
4. Quality Control
Calibration
Quality Assurance
7
9. WORK PLAN
9
Activity APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPT OCTO
1 Proposal Writing
2
Presentation of Introductory
letters to research
location/Facility
3 Ethical Clearance
4 Facility Visit
5
Writing of Chapter One:
Introduction
6
Writing of Chapter Two:
Review of Literature
7
Writing of Chapter Three:
Methodology
8 Data Collection
9 Data Processing
10 Data Analysis
11 Discussion of Results
12
Submission of drafted copy of
thesis.
13 Submission of Final Copies
10. BUDGET / RESOURCES
10
Description of items Cost (GHS) per Item
Questionnaire designing, Electronic Data
Collection/Printing
GH₵ 500.00
Data/ Sample Collection/Field Allowance GH₵ 4400.00
Data Entry GH₵ 100.00
Data Analysis GH₵ 1200.00
Printing, Supervision Final Report GH₵ 800.00
Communication/Airtime/ Internet GH₵ 500.00
Miscellaneous GH₵ 500.00
Total GH₵ 8000.00
