Iron deficiency anaemia in young children (6 to 23 months) in relation to complementary feeding practices in rural Telangana, India

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency, is the most common micronutrient deficiency seen in all age groups throughout the world. Young infants are more vulnerable because of growing size and increased demand. Iron deficiency anaemia due to improper complementary feeding practices in young children, will affect growth, cognitive and immune functions of the growing child.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from 01-05-2016 to 01-02-2017, at the Department of Paediatrics, S. V. S. Medical College and Hospital, Mahabubnagar, Telangana, India. The study included 130 children attended to our well baby clinics. A questionnaire was filled by mothers after taking consent. Data was Collected data was analysed using statistical package SPSS software version-19. Chi-square test was carried to test the relation. P-Value < 0.05 was considered as significant.Results: Prolonged breast feeding, late weaning, parent’s educational status and socioeconomic status are found to significant (p value <0.05) risk factors in contributing to the development of iron deficiency anaemia.Conclusions: As young infants are more prone for iron deficiency anaemia in the later part of first year, implementation of proper complementary feeding practices as advised by Infant and Young Child Feeding practices are essential.