Iron deficiency anaemia in children of a peri-urban health facility.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia(IDA) and its risk factors.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
A peri-urban health centre in Nairobi, Kenya.


METHODS
Four hundred and three children, aged six months to six years.


METHODS
Demographic data were obtained and each child examined for signs of iron deficiency anaemia. Blood was drawn for haemoglobin determination.


METHODS
The diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia was made using a pre-defined criteria.


RESULTS
Iron deficiency anaemia had a prevalence of 7.4% (95% CI = 4.8-10.0) and was predominantly mild (93.6%). Age was found to be significantly associated with iron deficiency anaemia with a prevalence of (14.6%) in infants. No association was found between IDA and sex, birthweight, weaning age and weaning diet, sanitation, water source or mother's education.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in this health facility was relatively low and was predominantly mild.
Murila
F V
FV
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Macharia
W M
WM
Wafula
E M
EM
D017677:Age Distribution; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D001724:Birth Weight; D002648:Child; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D018881:Suburban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D006454:Hemoglobins