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Hemoglobin status in children in the age group 6 to 60 months

B L Bajracharya1, D S Manandhar, M R Baral

  • 1Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal. blbajracharya@mail.com.np

JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical Association
|December 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study found a high prevalence of anemia in children aged 6-60 months in Kathmandu. Poverty, illiteracy, and poor nutrition awareness contribute to childhood anemia, necessitating iron supplementation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Childhood anemia is a significant global health concern.
  • Anemia affects cognitive development and overall child health.
  • Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anemia in children aged 6-60 months.
  • To identify associated factors contributing to anemia in the study population.
  • To inform targeted public health strategies for anemia prevention.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College's pediatric outpatient department.
  • 100 children aged 6-60 months were randomly selected.
  • Hemoglobin levels, anthropometry (height, weight, BMI), and socioeconomic factors were assessed.

Main Results:

  • 46% of children exhibited hemoglobin levels below 11 gm/dl, indicating anemia.
  • A significant proportion of anemic children were malnourished.
  • Poverty, low parental education levels, and lack of nutritional awareness were strongly associated with anemia.

Conclusions:

  • High childhood anemia prevalence necessitates urgent public health interventions.
  • Targeted iron supplementation is recommended, especially for children aged 6 months to 3 years.
  • Addressing socioeconomic determinants and improving nutritional education are vital for long-term anemia control.

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