Muhammad Jamil Azhar, Rabia Haq, Muhammad Saleem, Aneela Zareen, Arsalan Arshad, Asma Shams.
Is Iron Deficiency Anaemia more Prevalent in Malnourished Children under Five years in Suburban Areas? a Descriptive Analytical Study.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;12(4):1627-30.

Background: Malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia are quite prevalent in developing countries. Aims : To assess the frequency of iron deficiency anaemia among malnourished children in suburban population of Lahore, to identify the underlying etiological factors of iron deficiency anaemia in children under 5 years and to make recommendation for iron supplementation in children at school or Basic health unit . Study Design : A descriptive analytical study Settings: This study was conducted at Pediatric Department Punjab Social Security Hospital, Lahore Study Period: Jan- 2018 to June-2018. Methods : All children presenting in hospital from 6 months to 5years presenting to OPD/Emergency department (Normal-malnourished) were enrolled in study. They were divided into two groups , malnourished and well- nourished based on WHO growth charts (Z-score types). Thalassemic children were excluded from the study. Children were examined and investigated as per protocol to establish iron deficiency anaemia. All necessary information were noted on proforma. Children with hemoglobin level less than 1 1gm/dl were considered as anaemic. All anaemic children were treated by iron supplements . Results: Data were analyzed by computer-based software and results were analyzed using chi square test. Results were considered as significant if p-values is less than 0.05. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia is as common in well-nourished children as in malnourished children although underlying etiology may be quite variable. Poverty, illiteracy, maternal food fad and careless attitude were main underlying causes in our study. Universal iron fortification (flour) and regular iron supplementation to children through basic health units and school health services should be done on regular basis to correct the iron deficiency anaemia and related health problems .

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