Possible determinants and spatial patterns of anaemia among young children in Nigeria: a Bayesian semi-parametric modelling

摘要: Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries with major consequences for human socioeconomic development. This paper examines the possible relationship between Hb concentration severity of anaemia individual household characteristics children aged 6–59 months in Nigeria; explores geographical variations these outcome variables. Methods: Data on that participated 2010 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey were analysed. A semi-parametric model using hierarchical Bayesian approach was adopted to examine putative covariates different types spatial variation. Gaussian, binary ordinal variables considered modelling. Results: Spatial analyses reveal distinct North-South divide analysed states Northern possess higher risk anaemia. Other important factors include wealth index, sex child, whether or not child had fever malaria 2 weeks preceding survey, under 24 age. Conclusions: There need state level implementation specific programmes target vulnerable as this can help reversing existing patterns.