Intake of Iron biofortified beans and iron deficiency anaemia among children aged 6-59months Isingiro District South western Uganda

Abstract

Background: Anemia is still a major public health problem in Uganda. Anaemia has short and long term consequences such as impaired growth and cognitive development. In an effort to end anaemia in the country iron bio fortified beans were introduced to supplement diets with iron. However little has been done to show the association of intake of iron bio fortified beans and anemia in children aged 6-59 months. The study aimed to establish the association between intake of iron bio fortified beans and iron deficiency anaemia in children aged 6-59 months. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 499 participants. Data was collected by face to face interviews using standardized questionnaires. A blood sample from a finger prick was tested and Heamoglobin levels were assessed using hemocue 301. Data was analyzed using Stata version 14.0. Results: Intake of iron bio fortified beans was 39.3% while prevalence of anaemia was 26.3%. Anaemia was associated with intake of iron bio fortified beans [95% CI 0.47 - 0.99], child age [95% CI 0.22 - 0.66], dietary diversity [95% CI 0.33 - 0.98] and mothers occupation [95% CI 0.43 - 0.90]. Conclusion: Intake of iron bio fortified beans was low in Isingiro district. Prevalence of anaemia was moderately high, with most cases being mild anaemia. Intake of iron bio fortified beans, age, dietary diversity and occupation were associated with iron deficiency anaemia. More sensitization through health and nutrition education should be undertaken to promote consumption of iron bio fortified beans in the area.