Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anaemia Among School-Age Children in Borno State, North East Nigeria

Childhood anaemia poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing to impaired cognitive development, reduced school performance, and increased susceptibility to infections. This descriptive cross-sectional study determines the prevalence and associated risk factors of anaemia among school-age children aged 5 to 14 years in selected public primary schools in Borno State, North East Nigeria. A total of 380 children were recruited through stratified random sampling. Haemoglobin levels were measured using a portable HemoCue analyser, and structured questionnaires administered to caregivers assessed dietary habits, deworming history, and socioeconomic status. Clinical examination was performed to detect signs of malaria, intestinal parasitosis, and sickle cell disease. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 54.7%, classified as mild (34.2%), moderate (16.8%), and severe (3.7%). Iron-deficiency pattern was predominant based on clinical and dietary indicators. Significant risk factors included low dietary iron intake, absence of deworming in the preceding six months, history of malaria, and low household income. Sickle cell disease accounted for 8.3% of severe anaemia cases. The study highlights the multi-factorial aetiology of childhood anaemia in conflict-affected northern Nigerian states where food insecurity is compounded by displacement. Interventions should include school-based iron supplementation, deworming programmes, and community nutrition education. Keywords: childhood anaemia, prevalence, school-age children, Borno State, North East Nigeria.