Predictors of Anaemia Among Tertiary Level Students

Abstract

Williams Ampadu Oduro* and Deborah Emmanuel Incoom

Objectives: Anaemia is a widespread public health issue that affects young adults and can impair physical and cognitive performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of anaemia among students of Cape Coast Technical University, with particular focus on socio-demographic, lifestyle, dietary, environmental, and hygiene-related factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: A total of 400 first-year students were recruited using purposive and random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, and haemoglobin levels were measured to determine anaemia status. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, while multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of anaemia.

Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 50.7%. Significant predictors included low intake of protein-rich foods (p<0.05), low BMI (p<0.01), poor handwashing practices (p<0.05), and exposure to vehicular fumes (p<0.05). Socio-demographic factors, particularly age and sex, also showed significant associations with anaemia.

Conclusions: Anaemia is a major health concern among students in this setting. Both lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to its high prevalence. Targeted interventions focusing on nutrition, health education, and environmental risk reduction are needed to lower the burden of anaemia among university students.

HTML PDF