FREQUENCY AND DETERMINANTS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA IN CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS AND ITS IMPACT ON GROWTH PARAMETERS

Abstract

Background: One such nutritional disease of early childhood is iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) that has significantly contributed to the health challenge of the developing countries. It may impact adversely physical development, cognitive development, immunity and general wellbeing of children that are below five years of age.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Pediatric Medicine Department of Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Multan  from January 2023 to July 2023.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among children aged 6 months to 5 years and the predictors of iron deficiency anemia and to evaluate the effects of iron deficiency anemia on the growth parameters.

Methodology: Two hundred and eighty-eight children aged between 6 months, and 5 years were conducted in a tertiary care hospital in a cross-sectional study. The process of informed consent was provided with the help of a structured proforma which included the following demographic data, eating habits, socioeconomic status, maternal education, and history of infections. Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was done by taking blood samples to determine haemoglobin, serum ferritin and blood indices. The weight and height/length and MUAC growth parameters were measured and compared to WHO standards. The data were subjected to statistical software to identify the prevalence of IDA and the association between it and the risk factors and the growth outcomes.

Results: There were 288 children out of which iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was very prevalent with many of them being diagnosed with the help of low haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Children that had low intake of dietary iron and those who had a lengthy milk feeding record were more likely to have IDA. It was also more in low socioeconomic children and those of higher birth order. Maternal illiteracy and frequent infections only added to the danger. The weight, height and MUAC of the children with IDA were significantly less than that of the non-anemic children. These results suggest that low nutritional status is strongly correlated with iron deficiency anemia that exhibits the adverse effect of iron deficiency anemia on growth and development during early childhood.

Conclusion: Anemia associated with iron deficiency is very common in children below the age of five and is connected to unhealthy eating habits, low socioeconomic status, maternal illiteracy and infections. It has adverse effects on development and health in general. There must be screening early, eating better, taking iron supplements, and parent education. Public health should work towards creating awareness and enhancing access to healthcare to reduce its weight.