A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Prevalence of Anemia in Children up to Five Years

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia in children up to five years

Study design: A cross-sectional study

Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences Nawabshah Pakistan from April 2019 to March 2020

Methodology: Children between the ages of six months and five years who visited the outpatient department were included. Children with long-term diseases, hemolytic anemia, bleeding disorders, or a recent history of illness and medication use were excluded. Serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured according to WHO recommendations. For data entry and analysis, SPSS version 21 was utilized.

Results: Anemia was found in 47.79 % (n=108) of the children. Mild, moderate, and severe anemia was reported in 21.23 % (n=48), 18.56 % (n=42), and 7.52% (n=17) of the children, respectively. A ferritin level of less than 12 ug/l was found in 71.84 % (n=74) of the children suffering from anemia. Serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels have been found to have a substantial relationship. (X2=45.5661, P < 0.00001, X 2=45.5661)

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is common in  children under five years of age. Hemoglobin levels and the age of the children had significant correlations.