Magnitude and Determinates of Anemia among adolescent Girls in Africa: A Multilevel, Multicounty Analysis of 24 Countries

Introduction : Anemia in Africa is a pressing public health issue with far-reaching consequences. Adolescents, especially girls, are more vulnerable to developing anemia due to rapid physical growth and development, menstruation and poor diets. Identifying the determinants of anemia among adolescent girls in Africa is crucial for developing appropriate interventions, yet evidence remains scarce. Objective : This study aims to investigate the magnitude and determinants of anemia among adolescent girls in Africa. Methods : Data from the recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) of 24 African countries was used, focusing on 38,966 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. The chi-squared test was utilized for bivariate analysis, and the relationship between predictor variables and anemia was evaluated using bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression models. Results : The overall magnitude of anemia among adolescent girls was 43.6% (95% CI: 42.97, 44.21). The research has identified several determinants associated with anemia in adolescent girls, including education status, wealth status, contraceptive use, nutritional status, pregnancy status, and net use. These factors provide valuable insight into potential avenues for intervention and prevention efforts. The multivariable analysis indicated that education status (primary education AOR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.50–0.80 and secondary education AOR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66–0.86), wealth status (being rich AOR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.76–0.98), contraceptive use (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.40–0.53), and nutritional status were inversely associated with adolescent anemia. In contrast, pregnancy status (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.01–1.27) and treated net use (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.15–1.39) were positively associated with anemia among adolescent girls. Conclusion: This study serves as a catalyst for informed action and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions aimed at addressing the multifaceted determinants of anemia among adolescent girls in Africa. By targeting these key factors, public health initiatives can make significant strides towards improving the health and well-being of young women across the continent. To prevent adolescent anemia, it is recommended to encourage girls to pursue education, prevent adolescent marriage and pregnancy promote contraceptive use among married or sexually active girls, and educate on the correct use of treated nets.