A STUDY ON RISK FACTORS AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF ANEMIA AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS–60 MONTHS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN TAMILNADU

Abstract

Objectives: Anemia is an alarming health problem worldwide. Although it occurs in all age groups, children are more severely affected. The prevalence of anemia in children under 5 years in Tamil Nadu was 57.4% in 2021. This study aims to identify risk factors and clinical profile of anemia among children aged 6–60 months.

Methods: This cross-sectional and observational study was carried out from January to December 2021. Children with newly diagnosed anemia were included while chronic anemia and secondary anemia were excluded from the study. A detailed history was recorded and relevant investigations were completed in a pre-structured proforma. SPSS software version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Pearson’s correlation and ANOVA were used for analysis and p<0.005 was considered significant.

Results: Among the 260 children included in the study, 51.9% were between 13 months and 36 months, 61.5% were males, 38.1% belonged to upper lower socioeconomic status, 86.2% were born at term, 70.1% were introduced to cow’s milk at 6–12 months, most of the children had anthropometric range in 3rd–50th percentile, 55.3% had PICA, pallor was seen in all children, hematological indices were low (p<0.005), and 83.8% had microcytic hypochromic picture in peripheral smear.

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is a preventable cause of cognitive impairment and prompt interventions at the earliest will prevent morbidity and mortality secondary to anemia. Strategy to address poverty and awareness campaign to women on breastfeeding and better nutrition by policy makers can make a difference in preventing anemia in children.