Prevalence of Anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency in children of brick kiln workers, aged 6 to 59 months: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background The brick kiln workers, migrate with family to work in brick kilns along with their children & circular migration affects health service utilization and thus the health status of children who are most vulnerable. The present study was carried out to assess prevalence of anemia & vitamin B12 deficiency in children of brick kiln workers, aged 6 to 59 months. Methods It was observational, cross-sectional study. 90 children aged 6–59 months from randomly selected brick kilns were enrolled. After obtaining consent, detailed history was taken & thorough physical examination was performed. Blood sample was collected for estimation of Hemogram, serum ferritin & vitamin B12 levels. Results 55children (61.1%) were found to have anemia and 25.6% children had vitamin B12 deficiency. The majority of children 52/55(94.5%) were considered to have iron deficiency anemia, 80.4% children had mild anemia followed by moderate and severe anemia. All children with anemia were malnourished. There was no significant association between sex of the child & maternal education with anemia, whereas age below 24 months, birth order ≥ 2 & exclusive breastfeeding less than 6 months were significantly associated with anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency was seen in 23 (25.6%) children & there was no significant association between Vitamin B12 deficiency & the demographic characteristics under study. Conclusion The prevalence of anemia in under-five children of brick kiln workers was higher than that reported in Pune district as per NFHS 5. Vitamin B12 deficiency was seen in 25.6% children. Implementation of various government programmes to combat anemia need to be strengthened.