An Investigation of the Variables That Put Children at Risk for Nutritional Anaemia and the Critical Part That Mothers Play in Preventing the Condition in Young Children

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Abstract (English)

Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the risk factors and vital role of mothers in prevention of
nutritional anemia in the early childhood
Methods: This study was carried out at department of pediatrics and children aged 6 months–2 years admitted at
the hospital during the study period were included. Any child with chronic disorders such as hemoglobinopathies,
hemolytic anemia, and treated for anemia and those on any immunosuppressants such as steroids and biologics
were excluded as an indirect measure to eliminate anemia of chronic disease. An informed written consent was
obtained from the mothers of these children. A total of 200 participants were included.
Results: Majority of the mothers were aware that neural development of child could be affected by anemia.
Maternal knowledge regarding cow’s milk was poor and had a faulty belief that it increases iron absorption,
whereas 16% were unaware of the relationship between cow’s milk and anemia. Many mothers believed anemia
to occur only in children on vegetarian diet. Around 75% mothers recognized green leaves and 70% women
recognised jaggery to be enriched with iron. Although 78% identified vitamin C containing fruits, many were not
aware of its vital role in increasing the iron absorption. Mothers of children with more than one sibling had a
relatively greater incidence of “poor” knowledge unlike mothers of children with single or no sibling. This implies
that those with “poor” knowledge were also unaware of the importance of birth spacing.
Conclusion: Recognizing the causative factors plays an essential role in preventing iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Exclusive breastfeeding must be promoted, along with avoiding excessive cow’s milk intake. Intervening at the
right period with age-appropriate foods becomes a necessity. Maternal illiteracy has a positive correlation with
anemia in infants. Improving maternal awareness by the physicians will pave the road toward a nation free from
anemia.