Abstract
Aims: To estimate the burden and risk factor of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in preschool children attending well-baby clinics in primary health care centers of the National Guard in Jeddah.
 Study Design: Cross Sectional study design
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the primary health care centers of the National Guard Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which are the specialized polyclinic namely Iskan clinic district and Bahra Clinic. The study was started on 26 September, 2018 to January 2020.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study included all preschool children aged 2-5 years attending well-baby clinics. Data were collected by distributing a self-developed and validated questionnaire to parents or guardians in waiting areas outside the well-baby clinics.
 Results: A total of 286 participants met the inclusion criteria. Anemia was found in 9.8% children. The prevalence of IDA among the participants was only 6.3%, but it was the most common compared to other types of anemia. The only findings that were found statistically significant with anemia were family history (P = 0.001) and use of supplement (P = 0.000).
 Conclusion: IDA is still the most prevalent type of anemia; however, it was found in only 6.3% participants. The only statistically significant factors associated with anemia were positive family history and supplement intake.
Highlights
The term "burden of disease" was used by the Harvard School of Public Health, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization in the 1990s to define the mortality and long-term health problems caused by diseases, accidents, and health conditions in all parts of the globe [1]
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is still the most prevalent type of anemia; it was found in only 6.3% participants
The only statistically significant factors associated with anemia were positive family history and supplement intake
Summary
The term "burden of disease" was used by the Harvard School of Public Health, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization in the 1990s to define the mortality and long-term health problems caused by diseases, accidents, and health conditions in all parts of the globe [1]. Parents are encouraged to make their children express inherent interest and discover as much about the environment surrounding them throughout this phase of development, popularly known as the "preschool years." This age is crucial due to brain, language, and learning development and the need to have some special attention. According to the World Health Organization, Iron Deficiency Anemia is a global dietary problem. As we reviewed the literature, a gap and limited studies regarding assessing the exact burden of iron deficiency anemia in preschool children was found. Thereby, the current study aimed to assess and estimate the burden of iron deficiency anemia among preschool children and identify the significant and most common risk factors of iron deficiency anemia in National Guard primary health care centers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
