Prevalence of nutritional iron deficiency anemia among children under six years in Al Madinah, Basra, Iraq

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of trophic anemia, and is known to be an important health problem in Iraq and the world. Many children suffer from IDA, according to previous studies. These studies revealed that the nutritional status of children under six years seriously deteriorating due to th e parents' lack of knowledge of useful and unhelpful food. The study aims to identify potential risk factors for IDA among the study communityِ .Assess the prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) among preschool children in Al-Madinah district. The sample of the study consisted of 150 children (87 males & 63 females) in Al-Madinah district. Data for the sample were collected using a questionnaire, and anthropometrics were measured for all members of the study sample. A comprehensive blood test was performed for all members of the sample, and hemoglobin and serum ferritin were used as an indicator of iron deficiency anemia. The results showed that 20% of the children had IDA (70% male and 30% female).The highest prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia was at the age of 9 to 23 months. Also the study showed that residence in rural areas is among the most important risk factors for developing an IDA In conclusion, this study concluded that 20% of them in the study sample suffer from IDA, which greatly affects children's development. Regarding risk factors, ages 9 to 30 months are most susceptible to IDA, and HG. And ages 60 to 71 months are most susceptible to Serum ferritin deficiency, residence in rural areas is an important factor in raising the rate of iron deficiency anemia .The study recommends that there is an urgent need to assess the nutritional status of school-age children and the mothers in pregnancy.