Association between haemoglobin level and anthropometric status of children under 5 years receiving health care services at Parklane Teaching Hospital, Enugu

IntroductionAnaemia remains an important public health concern among children under five years in sub-Saharan Africa, with nutritional, socioeconomic, and other environmental factors potentially contributing to impaired haemoglobin status and growth. However, the relationship between haemoglobin status and anthropometric characteristics among young children in Nigeria remains insufficiently characterized. This study assessed the association between haemoglobin concentration and anthropometric status among children under five years receiving healthcare services at Parklane Teaching Hospital, Enugu.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 children aged 0–59 months. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory assessment of haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume (PCV). Maternal nutritional characteristics, socioeconomic status, parental occupation, income, and other relevant demographic variables were assessed. Weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, weight-for-length/height, and BMI-for-age Z-scores were determined using WHO Child Growth Standards. Associations between haemoglobin status, anthropometric indicators, and selected demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were assessed using appropriate statistical tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsWeight-for-age was significantly associated with haemoglobin status, maternal nutritional characteristics, socioeconomic status, parental income, and occupation (p < 0.001 for the respective significant associations), but not with PCV. Length/height-for-age was significantly associated with haemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001), PCV (p = 0.002), and selected socioeconomic characteristics. BMI-for-age was significantly associated with haemoglobin concentration (p < 0.013), PCV (p < 0.001), maternal nutritional characteristics (p < 0.002), and parental occupation (p < 0.032). Weight-for-length/height was not significantly associated with haemoglobin status or most socioeconomic characteristics but was associated with PCV and maternal nutritional characteristics (p < 0.001). Age, sex, parental education, income, and maternal nutritional characteristics also demonstrated significant associations with haemoglobin status.ConclusionHaemoglobin status was associated with several anthropometric and socioeconomic characteristics among children under five years attending the study facility. The findings support an integrated approach to child health involving haemoglobin assessment, growth monitoring, nutritional evaluation, and appropriate counselling of children and their caregivers. Broader preventive strategies should also address maternal and household factors that may influence childhood nutrition and growth. Because of the cross-sectional design, these associations should not be interpreted as causal.