PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN CHILDREN BELOW 10 YEARS OF AGE AT DHQ HOSPITAL DERA GHAZI KHAN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Introduction: Anemia is a common medical finding among children. In Pakistan, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is around 40-70% under 10 years of age. Anemia not only alters normal physical development but also impairs cognition and endurance in children. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of iron deficiency anemia in children under 10 years of age presenting to DHQ Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 children were enrolled through a purposive random sampling presenting to the Pediatrics ward of DHQ Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab, Pakistan fulfilling the operational definition and admission criteria during July 2022 to November 2022. Hb level below 11gm/dl) was termed as anemia and further classified into microcytic, normocytic or macrocytic on peripheral blood film. Further testing for serum ferritin, hemoglobin electrophoresis, serum C-reactive protein and stool microscopy was advised to establish the definitive diagnosis. Risk factors were looked for in cases of iron deficiency anemia. Results: Among 100 enrolled children, 72 had anemia, among them 42 had iron deficiency anemia. Lack of financial resources and poor living standards was directly associated with the rate of anemia. Low for birth weight, preterm labor, bottle-feeding, under and non- breastfeeding, early and late weaning and non-recommended weaning diet were observed as important risk factors. Conclusion: Around 70 percent of the hospitalized children under 10 years of age were found to be anemic, among them around half of them were suffering from iron deficiency anemia. The findings of this study stresses upon the significance of evaluating the risk factors of anemia in children of school age group. Prompt awareness campaigns and revamping health education programs focusing mother and child health can serve as a valuable tool to manage this health problem in countries like Pakistan.