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Published on: January 19, 2024
Morphological and Severity Patterns of Anemia among Children in Taif City, Saudi Arabia
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia ranazaini2@tu.edu.sa.
Insights
Childhood anaemia in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, affects 12.4% of children, predominantly mild and microcytic. Early detection through routine screening is crucial for addressing this public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Public Health
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Anaemia is a significant public health issue in children, impacting development and health.
- Understanding anaemia patterns is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, morphological patterns, and severity of anaemia in children aged 2-12 years in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.
- To provide data for public health strategies and clinical management.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study involving 242 pediatric patients from March to June 2026.
- Complete blood counts were analyzed using an Abbott hematology analyzer.
- Anaemia classification followed World Health Organization criteria for morphology and severity.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 12.4% anaemia was found in 30 children.
- Microcytic anaemia (66.7%) and mild severity (73.3%) were predominant.
- Anaemia was most common in children aged 2-6 years (83.3%).
Conclusions:
- Childhood anaemia in Taif City is primarily mild and microcytic.
- Routine screening and early detection are essential for managing paediatric anaemia.
Objective:
Anaemia remains a common public health concern among children and may adversely affect growth, cognitive development, immune function, and overall health. This study aimed to assess the morphological and severity patterns of anaemia among children in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among pediatric patients attending two government hospitals in Taif City between March and June 2026. Children aged 2-12 years without a previous diagnosis of anaemia or chronic disease affecting red blood cell production were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and complete blood counts were performed using an Abbott hematology analyzer. Anaemia was diagnosed using age-specific haemoglobin thresholds and classified according to morphology and severity based on World Health Organization criteria.
Results:
A total of 242 children were included, with a mean age of 6.2±2.9 years. Anaemia was identified in 30 children, yielding a prevalence of 12.4%. Mean haemoglobin levels were significantly lower among anaemic children than non-anaemic children (10.17±0.90 vs. 13.11±0.93 g/dL; p<0.001). Most anaemic cases occurred among children aged 2-6 years (83.3%). Microcytic anaemia was the predominant morphological pattern (66.7%), and mild anaemia was the most common severity category (73.3%).
Conclusion:
Anaemia among children in Taif City was predominantly mild and microcytic, highlighting the importance of routine screening and early detection.
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