Prevalence of Anaemia in Children Under 12 Years: A One Year Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a nutritional problem of worldwide importance. It is estimated that at least one-third of the population has been at one time anemic. Most of the anemia is attributed to the iron deficiency. Anemia is a global public health problem related with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality particularly in young children. Aim: To find out the prevalence of anemia in pediatric population under the age of 12 years during one-year study in a tertiary care hospital, Lahore. Place of study: Fatima Memorial Hospital, Shadman, Lahore, from May 2015 to April 2016. Methods: A total of 8922 children of age1 to 12 years and of both genders were included in this study. The data was extracted from the database of the clinical laboratories of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. In the study, age, gender and hemoglobin concentration were analyzed and prevalence was calculated. Results: Out of 8922children, 4907(54.8%) were females and 4015 (45.2%) were males. Age group 1-3 years old was the most affected group followed by the group having 4-6 years, seven to nine years and ten to twelve years. Female children are more affected than male children. Severe anemia was more prevalent in age group one to three years of age followed by the group having ages four to six years, seven to nine years and ten to twelve years. Moderate anemia was most common seen in age group 7-9 years old children followed by the group 1-3 years, 4-6 years and 10-12 years. Conclusion: The present study shows that anemia is a major health problem among children less than 12 years of age.