FREQUENCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF ANEMIA AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Anemia, Iron Deficiency, Nutrition, Parasitic infections, Malnutrition, Pediatrics
Abstract
Background
Anemia is a common health issue in children under five years age, especially in low-resource settings. It can impair growth and development, with iron deficiency and malnutrition being major causes. In Pakistan, data on childhood anemia remains limited. This study aims to fill that gap by assessing its frequency and related factors.
Study design: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Duration and place of study: This study was conducted in Khairpur Medical College and Hospital Khairpur Mir’s from January 2024 to January 2025
Objective
This study aimed to assess how common anemia is among children aged 6 months to 5 years and to identify the key factors associated with its occurrence.
Methods
A total of 200 children presenting with palmar pallor and hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL were enrolled using consecutive non-probability sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Means and standard deviations were calculated for quantitative variables, while frequencies and percentages were used for qualitative variables. Stratification and post-stratification chi-square tests were applied to identify significant associations, with a p-value ≤0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results
Of the 200 children included, 46% were male and 54% female, with a mean age of 27.8 ± 14.3 months. The overall prevalence of anemia was 64%. Anemia was more common among children from rural areas (68%), those with visibly pale skin (67%), and those belonging to lower socioeconomic backgrounds (48%). Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed in 54% of the anemic children. Malnutrition was widespread, with 32% showing mild malnutrition and 43% falling into the moderate to severe category. No significant association was observed between anemia and parasitic infections, including malaria or worm infestations.
Conclusion
Anemia affects a significant proportion of children under five years of age, with contributing factors including iron deficiency, malnutrition, poverty, and rural living conditions. Focused nutritional support, education, and poverty alleviation strategies are essential to address this ongoing public health concern.
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Farukh Imtiaz Bhanbhro
Farukh Imtiaz Bhanbhro, Associate Professor Community Medicine, Khairpur Medical College and Hospital Khairpur Mir’s Pakistan.
Amanullah Memon
Amanullah Memon, Consultant Paediatrician, Kulsoom Bai Valika Social Security Hospital Karachi Pakistan
Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi, Consultant Paediatrician, Kulsoom Bai Valika Social Security Hospital Karachi Pakistan
Sadaf Saeed Shami
Sadaf Saeed Shami, Assistant Professor Paediatric Medicine, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry Karachi, Pakistan
Amanullah Lail
Amanullah Lail, Professor of Paediatric, Dow Medical College / DUHS Karachi Pakistan
Naheed Haroon Kazi
Naheed Haroon Kazi, Assistant Professor Paediatric, Muhammad Medical College Hospital Mirpurkhas Pakistan