In the multivariable model, the factors that remained independently associated with anemia were age, HbSS genotype, malaria, vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency, and plasma CRP concentrations, although marginally significant relationships were observed for homozygous α+thalassemia (p = 0.11) and plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations (p = 0.08). Here, CRP is linked to thalassemia.