Assessment of the Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Children Aged Six Months to Five Years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62497/irjgp.268Keywords:
Iron deficiency anemia, children, anemia, iron deficiency, iron supplement, dietary diversity, malnutrition, risk factorsAbstract
Introduction
A frequent nutritional disorder among children, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can negatively impact children. impact growth, mental development and wellbeing. This study examined prevalence of IDA and Risk factors associated with it in kids from 6 months to 5 years.
Methodology
It was an analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted in the hospital among 380 children aged 6-59 months. Demographic, dietary, iron supplementation, maternal factors data, Information related to socio-economic status, infections, and nutritional status were obtained. Hemoglobin, complete blood Indices of iron stores were determined (count) and serum ferritin was measured. Chi-square analyses of associations were performed on the data, Independent-samples t-test, Mann–Whitney U test and one-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of IDA. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Among 380 children, 126 (33.2%) had IDA. Children with IDA had significantly lower hemoglobin, serum ferritin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC and higher RDW than children without IDA (all p<0.001). Poor dietary diversity, lack of iron supplementation, recurrent diarrhea, parasitic infection, maternal anemia, low socioeconomic status, stunting, and recent infection were significantly associated with IDA. Multivariable analysis identified poor dietary diversity (AOR=5.41), lack of iron supplementation (AOR=5.42), stunting (AOR=6.32), parasitic infection (AOR=4.55), and low socioeconomic status (AOR=4.24) as significant independent predictors (all p<0.001).
Conclusion
Multiple adverse outcomes were seen with IDA, including the presence of approximately one-third of studied children who met criteria for IDA. nutrient, infectious, maternal, and socioeconomic risk factors. Early screening, appropriate iron Its incidence can be decreased through supplementation, dietary diversification, and prevention of childhood infections. burden.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Uswa Moeen, Dr Haana Nawal, Dr Sahar Suriya, Dr Uzma Gul khattak Gul khattak (Author)
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