Frequency of Anemia among Primary School Children Visiting the Paediatrics OPD of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: In young children, Anemia is a common public health issue which significantly contribute in childhood morbidity and mortality. Anemia is associated with growth retardation, impaired cognition, decreased physical activity and contributor as a high national infant mortality rate. Aim: To determine the frequency of anemia in school going children presenting to OPD of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A Cross Sectional Study conducted at Paediatric outpatient department of Sharif Medical City Lahore from 15.02.2018 to 14.08.2018. About 150 primary school children presenting to the Paediatric outpatient department of Sharif medical city Lahore for minor acute ailments and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were approached and an informed consent was taken from their parents before enrolling in the study. Results: From 150 patients , it was observed that the minimum age was 5 years and maximum age was 11 years with mean and standard deviation of the age was 8.10 ± 1.89 years. The minimum hemoglobin level was found as 7.8 gm/dL and maximum hemoglobin level was 14 gm/dL with mean and standard deviation was 12.47±1.62 gm/dL. The minimum body mass index was found as 10 kg/m2 and maximum BMI was 20 kg/m2 with mean and standard deviation was 15.52 ± 2.91 kg/m2. Presence of anemia was found in 14% patients while anemia was not found in 86% children. Conclusion: Presence of anemia was found in 14% primary school children presenting to the outpatient department of a sharif medical city Lahore, tertiary care hospital. Effect modifiers showed significant association. Keywords: Anemia,Hemoglobin Level, Body Mass Index, Socioeconomic Status.