Farhad Sh. Armishty; Lina Yousif Mohammed; Ronahi Ibrahim; Iman Haji; Amna Omar; Dalal Jameel; Omar Khattab; Berivan R. Rajab; Aveen Saleem; Maryam M. Ahmed; Snor Hassan; Dunya P. Nezar; Hevy A. Ahmad
Abstract
Abstract:Background: Anaemia is a lower concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Nearly 1.62 billion individuals worldwide suffer from anaemia, of which approximately 47% are ...
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Abstract:Background: Anaemia is a lower concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Nearly 1.62 billion individuals worldwide suffer from anaemia, of which approximately 47% are preschool-aged children. Anaemia due to iron deficiency can be prevented by breastfeeding, taking formula with iron, avoiding cow's milk before the age of 1, and including iron-rich foods in the diet. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia in children under the age of five who were admitted to Zakho General Hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 among children under 5 years in Zakho city. 1404 children were recruited in this study and the ages ranged from six months to five years. A spectrophotometric method is typically used to assess anaemia by measuring the haemoglobin (Hb) concentration.Results: The children that participated in this study were 1404, ages 6 months to 60 months (23.01± 14.77). Age and anaemia were significantly correlated (p-value <0.01), with a higher prevalence of anaemia in younger age groups. In children aged 6 months to less than 24 months, the history of breastfeeding was significantly correlated with anaemia; 164 (59%) of the 278 children with a history of breastfeeding had anaemia (p-value <0.0001). Anaemia and meats consumption were significantly correlated (p-value= 0.007). The frequency of eggs consumption, the size of the family, and the maternal education level did not significantly affect anaemia. Conclusion: Among children under the age of five, particularly those under two, anaemia is disturbingly widespread, according to our study. As a result, enhanced nutritional therapy and a strong public health education campaign may assist in reducing the prevalence of this hematologic health concern.
