Occurrence and Determinants of Anemia among School-Going Adolescents in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Background Globally impacting around 2 billion people, anemia poses challenges to cognitive and physical development, academic performance, and work productivity in adolescents. In this study, we explored anemia prevalence and associated factors among school-going adolescents in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda, and we utilized primary community-based data. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using a questionnaire administered face to face to collect data on hemocue. The study population was secondary level school-going adolescents residing in Mbale City aged 15–19 years. Stratified sampling was used to select respondents in each of the three divisions of Mbale City. The study considered adolescents with hemoglobin (HB) levels below 12.0g/dL for females and below 13.0g/dL for males as anemic. Prior to enrolling participants in the study, consent and assent were obtained. Results More than half (57%, n = 270/422) of the respondents were anemic of whom 57.8% were female while 42.2% were male. The results revealed that being female (OR = 3.81, p < 0.001), having a deceased mother (OR = 5.87, p = 0.008), parents of the adolescent being divorced/ separated (OR = 4.08, p < 0.001), currently taking medication (OR = 3.38, p = 0.001), and drinking un-boiled water (OR = 2.22, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with anemia. In contrast, being Muslim (OR = 0.44, p = 0.046) and belonging to the Adventist denomination (OR = 0.25, p = 0.037) were protective factors against anemia. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study revealed a high prevalence of anemia, particularly affecting females, among school-going adolescents. Location was identified as a significant factor, emphasizing the necessity of targeted interventions in areas with high anemia rates. These findings hold critical implications for anemia prevention and management in low- and middle-income countries like Uganda, including considerations for school feeding programs.