Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Children Age 6 To 59 Months of AgePrevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Children Age 6 To 59 Months of Age

Abstract

Objective: To know the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among children age 6-59 months.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study design.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta, Pediatric Unit-2 in collaboration with Department of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, Institute of Public Health, Lahore over a period of six months from 1^st January 2016 to 30^th June 2016.

Materials and Methods: Children age 6 to 59 months of age who presented with palmar pallor along with hemoglobin levels less than 11 g/dl were included in the study for associated factors of anemia.

Results: The anemia was found in 395 (78.27%) children. Among 395 children, 210 (82.4%) were males and 185 (74%) were females. Important risk factors associated with anemia were gender, age, malnutrition, illiteracy and unemployment of caregivers.

Conclusion: Factors most strongly associated with anemia included malaria, parasitaemia, unemployment among caregivers, habit of taking tea with meals, malnutrition, low level of education and iron deficiency anemia.