Anaemia, anthropometric status and associated factors among electronic waste recyclers, women and children residents of Agbogbloshie, Ghana

Background: Anemia is a significant public health issue, particularly in communities exposed to environmental hazards and poor nutritional conditions. However, evidence on the health and nutritional status of vulnerable groups like women and children residing in polluted areas like Agbogbloshie, Ghana, remains limited. Aim/objective: We assessed the prevalence of anemia and its association with sociodemographic and anthropometric factors among e-waste recyclers, women, and children living in Agbogbloshie, a community known for its e-waste recycling activities. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2022 among male e-waste recyclers, women of reproductive age, and children aged 5-17 years. Data on sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were conducted, while onsite hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured using a HemoCue 301 analyzer. Among children, WHO growth standards were applied to derive weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), BMI-for-age, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)-for-age z-scores. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between sociodemographic, anthropometric and other factors with anemia. Results: Anemia prevalence was high among women (54.90%) and children (45.56% in ages 12-17 years), compared with male recyclers (9%). Lower educational level, gender, age and socioeconomic status, and poor dietary diversity were significantly associated with anemia. Higher BMI was significantly associated with higher hemoglobin levels among male recyclers. Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent among women and children in Agbogbloshie, and it is driven by nutritional, socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address nutritional deficiencies, mitigate environmental exposures, and reduce socioeconomic disparities.