Anaemia in infants and young children- Risk factor analysis: Case control study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Anaemia is a global problem with 42% prevalence. Analysis of risk factors of anaemia will be useful in formulating health programs. This case control study was done to analyse the risk factors for anaemia in infants and young children. Materials and Methods: This study was done in hospitalised children in a University hospital. Children with anaemia in age group between 6 and 24 months. Age and sex matched children without anaemia were controls. Demographic details, maternal details and feeding practices were compared. Results: 147 children were recruited in both groups. There was no significant difference in demographic factors. Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) more than four months (95.2% vs 70.1%, p value<0.001), vegetarian diet (53.7% vs 40.1%, p value=0.019), complimentary diet containing either cereals or pulses alone (83% vs 47.6%, p value< 0.001), cow’s milk intake more than 400 ml (36.1% vs 18.4%, p value=0.001) and birth order more than one (62.6% vs 32%, p value<0.001) were identified as risk factors. Conclusion: Iron supplements are essential in infants, if EBF is practised beyond 4 months and additional vitamin b12 supplements if vegetarian diet is followed. Cow’s milk intake should be less than 400 ml, to protect against anaemia.