Childhood Anemia: The Case of Dormaa District

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted out of concern of the District Health Management Team of Dormaa District to find a solution to the rising anaemia problem in children in the District. The study was conducted from the 28th January, 1997 to 16th May, 1997. The main objective of the research was to find the distribution, outcome and the determinants of anaemia in children in the Dormaa District. The specific objectives were to find the age and sex distribution of anaemia cases and mortality, the causes of anaemia and its age distribution and the knowledge, attitude and practices on anaemia among community members. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional one. Data were collected and analysed from the records of 1141 anaemic children 0 - 5 years admitted or treated at the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital (District Hospital), and the three main Health Centres in the District from 1993 to 1996. Data on the knowledge, attitude and practices on anaemia were also collected from 70 Traditional Birth Attendants and Herbalists through interviews using questionnaire. Seventeen focus group discussions were also organised to collect data from grandmothers, nursing mothers and health staff.