PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF IRON-DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/ajnfbb68Keywords:
iron-deficiency anaemia; under-five children; haemoglobin; ferritin; prevalence; South IndiaAbstract
Background: Anaemia, predominantly iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA), is a major public-health problem among young children in India, with consequences for growth and cognitive development. Local data on prevalence, type and determinants inform control. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia and IDA among under-five children and to examine associated dietary and socio-demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 children aged 6–59 months measured haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin (with CRP/AGP to flag inflammation) and recorded feeding, dietary and socio-demographic variables. Anaemia (Hb <11 g/dL), iron deficiency (low ferritin) and IDA were defined per WHO criteria. Associations used the chi-square and independent t tests. Results: Among 100 children (mean age 29.9 ± 15.7 months; mean Hb 10.7 ± 1.3 g/dL), anaemia prevalence was 53%, iron deficiency 44% and IDA 36%; among anaemic children, severity was mild in 28 and moderate in 25, and IDA accounted for about two-thirds. Iron deficiency was the leading identifiable cause of anaemia. Exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months was reported in 63%, iron supplementation in the last 3 months in 23% and inflammation in 19%. In this sample, associations of anaemia with exclusive breastfeeding, cow-milk intake, iron-rich food frequency and iron supplementation did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: More than half of under-five children were anaemic and iron deficiency was the dominant identifiable cause, with IDA in about one-third. The high burden supports universal age-appropriate iron and dietary interventions and routine screening, consistent with national anaemia-control strategy.
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