Impacts of Ambient Temperatures on Pediatric Anemia in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Regional Ecological Study

Abstract

Anemia has been a growing concern for the pediatric population in sub-Saharan Africa. Emerging risk factors for anemia under five years of age in low-income countries are multifaceted, including infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, hidden hunger, and various economic determinants, and its health burdens include childhood stunting and reduced cognitive function diminished school performance in children. However, the influence of climatic factors, particularly ambient temperatures, on pediatric anemia remains understudied. In this population-based study, we assess the region-specific associations between pediatric anemia and ambient temperatures in 43 countries in Africa from 2000 to 2019. Using generalized linear regression models (upon adjusting for covariates), we found that the risk of temperatures on pediatric anemia varies across four African regions, whereby the Central and Southern African regions have a positive association between pediatric anemia and ambient temperatures, and Western and Eastern regions are negatively affected. The study aims to provide evidence to stakeholders to curtail the onset of pediatric anemia in high-risk African regions to set up key interventions based on the sustainability goals set by the World Health Organization.