Table 4 Unweighted mediation analyses of Hb level as a mediator in the SCD-anthropometric indices association (n = 11,048)

SCD-HAZ score association

 Average indirect effect

− 0.444**

− 0.515, − 0.380

− 0.328**

− 0.387, − 0.270

 Proportion mediated

1.358*

0.726, 4.800

0.928**

0.535, 2.770

SCD-WHZ score association

 Average indirect effect

− 0.134**

− 0.171, − 0.100

− 0.080**

− 0.114, − 0.050

 Proportion mediated

0.609*

0.299, 2.900

0.373*

0.158, 2.010

SCD-WAZ score association

 Average indirect effect

− 0.342**

− 0.397, − 0.290

− 0.245**

− 0.291, − 0.200

 Proportion mediated

0.982**

0.637, 2.190

0.664**

0.423, 1.320