A cross–sectional study to assess the prevalence of anemia in five to nine year old children at a tertiary care centre

Singh Sandeep; Mishra Ambrish; Saxena Manoj; Patel Meena; Mishra Anvita

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

A cross–sectional study to assess the prevalence of anemia in five to nine year old children at a tertiary care centre

Singh Sandeep, Mishra Ambrish, Saxena Manoj, Patel Meena, Mishra Anvita

Abstract :

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem in India, affects all age groups but children�s and women�s in childbe� age group are the most vulnerable. We aimed to study the prevalence of anemia among children aged 5–9 years of age admitted in Pediatric Department. Materials and Methods: A total of 472 children aged 5–9 years were enrolled in the study over a period of three months. A complete blood count was obtained. Anemia was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for the given age. The data was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Overall prevalence of anemia among the children 5–9 years of age was 43%. Severity wise, mild Anemia was the commonest (58%), while severe Anemia was least common. The prevalence of Anemia was slightly more among girls compared to boys along with significantly association with other demographic variables including gender. Conclusion: Anemia is common among the children of Rewa M.P. (India), and affects girls slightly higher than boys. Although mild anemia is very common, it remains asymptomatic and therefore goes unnoticed and untreated.