Anemia among adolescents in Uganda: evidence from a national survey to inform targeted interventions
1
2 National Health Laboratory and Diagonistic Services, Kampala, Uganda
2
1 School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Adolescent anemia undermines educational attainment, productivity, and future maternal health, yet national nutrition strategies in Uganda remain predominantly focused on children under five and pregnant women. This study provides evidence on the burden and determinants of anemia among adolescents in Uganda to inform targeted programming.
METHODS:
We analyzed nationally representative survey data (Uganda National Panel Survey) for adolescents aged 10–19 years with complete hemoglobin measurements (n = 1,063). Anemia was classified using WHO thresholds. Prevalence and severity were estimated, and modified Poisson regression models identified independent predictors of anemia. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.
RESULTS:
Anemia affected 16.2% (95% CI: 14.0–19.0) of Ugandan adolescents, constituting a moderate public health problem by WHO criteria. Although most cases were mild, nearly one in twenty adolescents had moderate-to-severe anemia. Older adolescents aged 15–19 years had almost twice the prevalence of anemia compared to younger adolescents (aPR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.48–2.61). Notably, male adolescents were at significantly higher risk than females (aPR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.39–2.41), challenging prevailing girls-only intervention models. Helicobacter pylori infection was independently associated with anemia (aPR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.35–2.58). Marked sub-regional heterogeneity was observed, with the highest burden in Karamoja, Bunyoro, and Bukedi sub-regions.
CONCLUSIONS:
Anemia is an overlooked health problem among adolescents in Uganda yet with clear differences by age, sex, infections, and location. Current nutrition and school health interventions should be expanded to include both male and female adolescents, prioritize older age groups, integrate infection screening and treatment, and apply sub-regional targeting. Incorporating these findings into adolescent health and education-sector programs could substantially improve equity and effectiveness of anemia control efforts.
Adolescent anemia undermines educational attainment, productivity, and future maternal health, yet national nutrition strategies in Uganda remain predominantly focused on children under five and pregnant women. This study provides evidence on the burden and determinants of anemia among adolescents in Uganda to inform targeted programming.
METHODS:
We analyzed nationally representative survey data (Uganda National Panel Survey) for adolescents aged 10–19 years with complete hemoglobin measurements (n = 1,063). Anemia was classified using WHO thresholds. Prevalence and severity were estimated, and modified Poisson regression models identified independent predictors of anemia. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.
RESULTS:
Anemia affected 16.2% (95% CI: 14.0–19.0) of Ugandan adolescents, constituting a moderate public health problem by WHO criteria. Although most cases were mild, nearly one in twenty adolescents had moderate-to-severe anemia. Older adolescents aged 15–19 years had almost twice the prevalence of anemia compared to younger adolescents (aPR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.48–2.61). Notably, male adolescents were at significantly higher risk than females (aPR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.39–2.41), challenging prevailing girls-only intervention models. Helicobacter pylori infection was independently associated with anemia (aPR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.35–2.58). Marked sub-regional heterogeneity was observed, with the highest burden in Karamoja, Bunyoro, and Bukedi sub-regions.
CONCLUSIONS:
Anemia is an overlooked health problem among adolescents in Uganda yet with clear differences by age, sex, infections, and location. Current nutrition and school health interventions should be expanded to include both male and female adolescents, prioritize older age groups, integrate infection screening and treatment, and apply sub-regional targeting. Incorporating these findings into adolescent health and education-sector programs could substantially improve equity and effectiveness of anemia control efforts.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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