Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among children 3 to 59 months of age in Kinondoni municipal, Dar es Salaam: a facility-based cross-sectional study
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Date
2023-05-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East Africa Science
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency with subsequent iron deficiency anemia is the most common micronutrient disorder in
children below 5 years of age worldwide. The developing countries bear more weight on the problem as the result of
multifactorial factors including but not limited to recurrent infections such as malaria, helminths infestation, and inadequate
food security. However, its magnitude in children living in Kinondoni Municipal in Dar es salaam is not well understood.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and how it is contributed by the presence of
iron deficiency among children between 3-59months of age in the above-mentioned setting.
Methods: A facility-based cross-section study was conducted among children 3-59months attending Reproductive and
Child Health Services at Kairuki, Sinza Hospital, and Kambangwa dispensary. Children who met the criteria, their basic
social demographic information, complete blood count and differentials as well as blood ferritin levels were collected to
assess the level of anemia, erythrocytic indices, and iron deficiency. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package
of Social Sciences (SPSS version 22). The magnitude of anemia and iron deficiencies were presented in percentages,
and the relationship between hemoglobin and blood ferritin was assessed using Spearman’s correlation test for two
continuous variables. The p-value of less or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 350 children were recruited for the study, 255 Children (72.9%) were anemic. Children below
24 months of age were more anemic compared to the older age group (X2 = 50, p <0.001). Furthermore, anemia
was significantly associated with low ferritin levels (X2 = 65, p <0.001). Iron deficiency was found in 156 (44.6%)
participants while iron deficiency anemia (low MCV, low ferritin, and low hemoglobin) was found in 138 (39.4%)
participants. However, among 255 participants with anemia, 147(65.3%) had iron deficiency. There was a significant
positive correlation between hemoglobin and blood ferritin levels (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.6; p<0.01.
Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia was high among children and was highly associated with younger age and iron
deficiency. To overcome this problem, appropriate interventions such as massive promotion of breastfeeding, appropriate
complementary feeding, and ensuring food security are warranted.
Description
Keywords
Iron deficiency, Anaemia, Dar es salaam
Citation
Mushi, J., Malasa, L., Kalingonji, A., Rutachunzibwa, F., Fataki, M., Kalabamu, F.S. and Mwaikambo, E., 2023. Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Children 3 to 59 Months of Age in Kinondoni Municipal, Dar es Salaam: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study. East Africa Science, 5(1), pp.41-47.