Prevalence and associated factors of concurrent anemia among Orang Asli mothers and children under five in Malaysia

Anemia often coexists within households, risking both mothers and children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors of concurrent anemia among Orang Asli (OA) child-mother pairs in Selangor, Malaysia. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 children (2–5 years) and their mothers from seven OA villages. Mothers were interviewed for socio-demographic information and household food security status. Anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin levels (finger-prick method) were assessed. Multinomial logistic regression examined factors associated with anemia status in child-mother pairs. Concurrent anemia was observed in 21.3% of child-mother pairs, followed by child-anemic/mother-non-anemic pairs (18.1%) and child non-anemic/mother-anemic pairs (11.6%). Male children, maternal employment, and monthly household income above RM580 lowered odds of concurrent anemia, whereas stunting, child underweight, maternal overweight/obesity, family size of 5–8 members, and household food insecurity increased odds. Socio-demographic, nutritional, and household environmental factors are associated with anemia in OA child-mother pairs, thus highlighting need for culturally appropriate health interventions.

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