Frequency and Associated Factors of Anemia among Children Age 6 To 59 Months of Age
Abstract
Abstract:
Objectives: To determine the frequency and associated factors of anemia among children age 6 to 59 months of age.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics Unit-II Bolan medical college hospital Quetta. Detailed history and physical examination of children with suspected anemia was carried out. All participants with hemoglobin less than 11g/dl by haemocue were investigated for complete blood count using an automated machine MS 9- 5H or CELL DYN 3700. Mean corpuscular volume was also done in all children with anemia to detect iron deficiency. Also blood smear for malaria parasites was done using Giemsa stain and the number of asexual parasite/200WBC was counted. Stool analysis was done by microscopic examination to find out parasites, ova or other forms of intestinal helminthes. All the demographic details and study results were recorded on a predesigned data collection proforma.
Results: A total of 196 children with mean hemoglobin levels of 9.97 ± 2.20 g/dl were enrolled.
The prevalence of anemia in our study was found to be 63% respectively. Associated factors of all cases of anemia were evaluated on the basis of various factors that include nutritional, infectious and other causes like worm infestations. There was significant relationship found between anemia and iron deficiency anemia. However, no significant relationship was found between anemia with gender and other associated factors.
Conclusion: The prevalence of childhood anemia in our study is very alarming. Lack of parental education and poor socioeconomic status on the other hands signifies a massive treat that needs to be address. An integrated approach of provision of basic health care facilities, creating awareness among parents are the essentials steps that needs to be taken in order to reduce the prevalence of childhood anemia and improve the outcome of children especially in resource limited areas of our country.
