Factors Associated with Anemia, Iron Deficiency, and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years: Analysis of the 2020 Burkina Faso National Micronutrient Survey.

BACKGROUND

Anemia remains a significant health problem among Burkinabé adolescents aged 10-19 y. However, population-based information on its correlates remains limited.

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the burden of anemia, iron deficiency (ID), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and factors associated with these outcomes among Burkinabé adolescents.

METHODS

We used data from 689 boys and 724 girls who participated in the nationally representative (except Sahel region), population-based 2020 Burkina Faso National Micronutrient Survey to conduct hierarchical logistic multivariable regression identifying underlying, immediate, and biological factors associated with adolescent anemia, ID, and IDA, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Anemia prevalence was 31% among boys and 29% among girls. Prevalences of ID and IDA were 20% and 10%, respectively, among boys, and 24% and 12%, respectively, among girls. From the underlying factors assessed, household wealth was associated with all 3 outcomes in boys. Among immediate factors, older age (14-19 y) was associated with all 3 outcomes for girls. ID and recent malaria infection were also associated with higher odds of anemia in both populations, whereas vitamin A deficiency was associated with higher odds of anemia among boys, as well as higher odds of ID and IDA for girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia, ID, and IDA etiology among Burkinabé adolescents is multifactorial, with complex relationships involving household and individual characteristics, as well as biological factors. A multisectoral approach to adolescent-focused policies and programs, in addition to direct nutrition interventions, may be effective in reducing anemia, ID, and IDA among adolescents.