Rural-Urban Differentials in Anemia Prevalence among Children 6 to 59 Months in Cameroon and the Policy Implications

Teke Johnson Takwa, Central Bureau for the Census and Population Studies, Yaounde-Cameroon
Kouam Felix, UNFPA
Mongbet Abêt, Migrinter

In Developing Countries, the prevalence rate of anemia especially among children aged 6-59 months is still significantly higher than the 40% level set by the WHO. This high prevalence especially in the rural setting makes anemia the second cause of hospitalization in Cameroon after malaria. It stands in the way of efforts to reduce infant morbidity and mortality as well as efforts to reach the demographic dividend that opens a window of opportunities for the development and the attainment of SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The aim of this study is to come out with explanatory factors for the high prevalence (close to 60%) of anemia in Cameroon among children 5-59 months while placing emphasis on rural-urban specificities. Using binary logistic regression analysis of data of the latest CDHS carried out in 2018, this study reveals that children with high risks of being anemic in rural areas are those with nutritional problems and poor health (diarrhea, fever or cough) while in urban the key determinants are household and mothers’ characteristics. To overcome this health challenge, there is need to improve upon the quality of drinking water, child nutrition, sanitation and mothers’ health with greater emphasis on rural areas.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Population and Development, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.