A STUDY OF ANEMIA IN INFANTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Anaemia is worldwide health problem which affects both developed and developing countries and this burden are being higher in the developing countries. Anaemia is nutritional problem which is commonly seen in women and children that affects their most crucial periods like during pregnancy and growth respectively. According to WHO database Global on Anemia for 1993–2005, it was estimated that worldwide prevalence of anemia is 25 % with higher percentage noted in developing countries (43%). About 293 million children were affects anemia out of which 89 million live in India. India is one of the countries having with high prevalence of nutritional anemia in the world. In India prevalence rate is about 40% of anaemia as severe health problem. The National Family Health SURVEY –III showed about prevalence of 70% were of anaemia in children under 5 years whereas about 79% of those belonging to the below three age group suffer from varying degrees of anaemia. There are several studies for investigated one or the other form of anaemia and only few provide an overall insight into the profile of anaemia in population.

Aim: The main aim of this study is to find the occurrence of anemia and its severity among children with aged 6 months-12 months.

Material and methods: This is cross- section study which is undertaken at the Department of Paediatrics at Ashwani Rural Medical College and Research Center, during the period of one year. This study was carried out on patients between the age group 6 months to 12 months( 1  year) old infants which found have anemia on routine blood investigations and further investigations were carried out to ascertain the cause of the anemia.

Result: A total of 147 infants of age group 6m- 12 m were admitted during the study period, among which 147 infants were, selected who fulfilled the inclusion criteria.  In this study 27 (18%) males and 120 (81%) females were include in which mean age was 9.6 months. 14  infants(6.80%)were born with low birth weight. 1.5kg was noted as Lowest birth weight and mean birth weight was 2.4kg.  Through caesarian section 42.9% (63 infants) were born. 32 cases21.8% gave history of exclusive breast feeding till 6 months of age where as history of giving cow’s milk as supplementation starting at 2-3 months of age is 95 (18.37%).  Infants with history of giving top up feed diet commercially available baby was 92(19.73%) which was started at an average age of 2-3% of the infants. 88(12.93%) of cases were observed as Improper weaning technique.

Conclusion: Consumption of cow’s milk, top-up formula feeding, Improper Weaning techniques, and low birth weight are important Risk factors Associated with development of Anemia as moderate to severe in infants. Therefore maternal education relating to breast feeding and complementary feeding is more importance.

Keywords: infants, anemia, etiology, risk factors,