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A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
05:35

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

Published on: January 19, 2024

Anemia and undernutrition among preschool children in Uttar Pradesh, India

Shally Awasthi1, Rohini Das, Tuhina Verma

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, King George Medical College, Lucknow, U.P., India. sawasthi@sancharnet.in

Indian Pediatrics
|October 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Anemia affects 70% of preschool children in rural India, strongly linked to malnutrition. Caretakers recognize anemia symptoms but lack knowledge on iron intake for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Anemia is a significant global health issue, particularly affecting young children.
  • Malnutrition, including underweight and stunting, is prevalent in many developing regions.
  • Understanding the interplay between anemia and malnutrition is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anemia in preschool children aged 3-5 years.
  • To investigate the association between anemia and malnutrition (underweight, stunting) in the study population.
  • To assess caretaker knowledge regarding anemia and its prevention.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • Random sampling selected 3 sub-centers, covering 18 villages.
  • Hemoglobin levels were measured in 1200 children (654 boys, 546 girls); anthropometric measurements assessed malnutrition.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of anemia (Hemoglobin <11 g/dL) was 70%.
  • Anemic children (mean Hb: 9.85 g/dL) were significantly more likely to be underweight (67.3%) compared to non-malnourished children (mean Hb: 10.39 g/dL).
  • Stunted children (87.6%) exhibited significantly lower mean hemoglobin levels; underweight and stunted children had 1.66 times higher odds of moderate to severe anemia.

Conclusions:

  • High anemia prevalence in preschool children is closely associated with underweight and stunting in rural Barabanki.
  • Limited caretaker knowledge exists regarding iron's role in anemia prevention, with reliance on healthcare professionals.
  • Interventions should focus on improving nutritional status and educating caretakers about anemia management and prevention.

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