FREQUENCY AND RISK FACTORS OF IRON DEFICIENCYANEMIA IN CHILDREN BELOW 10 YEARS OF AGE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL PAKISTAN.

http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.01.391

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: In South Asia, anaemia affects more than 50% of preschool-aged kids due to its

diverse aetiology. To successfully solve this issue, it is necessary to clarify the situationally

reasons of anaemia. Anemia is a common medical finding among children. Anemia due to iron

deficiency affects 40–70percent of the overall of kids less than the age of 10 in Pakistan. Anemia

not only alters normal physical development but also impairs cognition and endurance in kids.

Under this analysis, the frequency and risk markers of iron deficiency anaemia in kids below the

age of 10 who visit PMCH Pakistan are evaluated. Materials And Methods: A total of 385

children were enrolled through a purposive random sampling presenting to the Pediatrics ward of

PMCH, Pakistan fulfilling the operational definition and admission criteria during JANUARY

2021 to DECEMBER 2022. Hb level below 11gm/dlwas termed as anemia and anemia is further

classified into microcytic, normocytic or macrocytic on peripheral blood film. Further testing for

serum ferritin, hemoglobin electrophoresis, serum C-reactive protein and stool microscopy was

advised to establish the definitive diagnosis. Risk factors were looked for in cases of iron

deficiency anemia. Results: Out of 385 patients there were total 210(54.54%) male and

175(45.46%) females. Mean age 5.2466, minimum 2 years and maximum 10 years. Out of 385

patients There were 152 with normocytic anemia, 216 microcytic anemia and 17 with macrocytic

anemia. Out of 210 male patients There were 57 males with normocytic anemia, 146 microcytic

anemia and 7 with macrocytic anemia. Out of 175 female patients There were 95 females with

normocytic anemia, 70 microcytic anemia and 10 with macrocytic anemia.p value =0.05

Conclusion: Around children under 10 years of age were found to be anemic, among them

around half of them were suffering from iron deficiency anemia. The findings of this study

stresses upon the significance of evaluating the risk factors of anemia in children. Prompt

awareness campaigns and revamping health education programs focusing mother and child health

can serve as a valuable tool to manage this health problem in countries like Pakistan.