7. Study of Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children with Chronic Diarrhoea
Abid Ali1, Muhammad Idris Mazhar2 and Mazhar Nazir Chattha2
ABSTRACT
Objective: To find out the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children, coming to hospital with chronic diarrhoea and to see risk factors in these children, like age, gender, socioeconomic status, education of mother, feeding habits and nutritional status.
Study Design: Analytical / cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Department of Paediatrics, Islam Medical & Dental College, Sialkot from February 2009 to March 2010.
Materials and Methods: One hundred children were included on the basis of systemic random sampling method. Children with chronic diarrhoea (>14 days), both OPD and admitted patients, up to five years of age and either sex were included. The demographic profile was obtained like age, sex, detailed nutritional history, socioeconomic status, educational status of parents. Height and weight was recorded. Clinical assessment of hydration status, pallor and signs of malnutrition as well as other signs of systemic illness were recorded. The blood samples were taken for Hb and TIBC.
Results: There were 52 males and 48 females. Female children were having higher ratio of anaemia as compared to males (38/48 –79.2% versus 30/52–57.7%). Majority of children with lower socioeconomic status (45/56 – 80.4%) were anaemic. 83.3% of children of mothers with under primary or primary to middle education, were anaemic. The mothers who had better education (above middle class), 86.4% of their children were non anaemic. It was found that 20% of children of both genders were well nourished and among these, only 2 children were anaemic. The other 20 children (20%) had First degree malnutrition and among this group, 11 children (55%) were anaemic. Among the second degree malnutrition children (35), 30 children (85.7%) were anaemic. Another group of patients having 3rd degree malnutrition (25) of both genders, all children (100%) were anaemic. Only 15 children were on exclusive breast feeding (2 anaemic {13.3%}), 30 children on mixed (15 anaemic {50%}) and 55 children were on bottle feeding (51 anaemic {92.7%}). The difference for Hb level and TIBC were significant (<0.001).
Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia was a constant feature in all children having chronic diarrhea. Improving maternal education (literacy rate in general), socioeconomic status of the people, and promoting exclusive breast-feeding can dramatically improve the nutritional status and general well-being of children under 5 years of age in Pakistan.
Key Words: Prevalence, Iron deficiency anaemia, Children, Chronic diarrhoea
Citation of articles: Ali A, Mazhar MI, Chattha MN. Study of Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children with Chronic Diarrhoea. Med Forum 2018;29(8):28-32.