“PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF ANAEMIA IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 1-5 YEAR OLD CHILDREN: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY”

Abstract

Background: ‘Anaemia’ refers to a condition in which the hemoglobin content of the blood is lower than normal as a result of deficiency of one or more essential nutrients, heavy blood loss, parasitic infections and congenital hemolytic diseases. Anemia is a critical health concern because it affects growth and energy levels adversely. The present study was done to determine the prevalence, associated factors and pattern of anemia in under five-year-old children in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out among under five-year-old children admitted in the hospital for various medical illnesses. For the diagnosis of anemia, WHO criteria for haemoglobin (Hb) threshold in different age group were used. Results: Total 112 anemic children were enrolled into the study. Children of age group of between 1-5 years were affected. A majority of the mother of anemic children had primary level of school education. More than half of the children belong to lower socioeconomic classes (Class IV + Class V). Nutritional deficiency was the single most important causative factor in the development of anemia. In our study the prevalence of anaemia was 75% with ranging from mild, moderate and severe. Conclusion: Nutritional deficiency, particularly, iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in the present study. This disorder can be primarily prevented by proper nutritional habits and adequate treatment.