Pattern and Determinants of Nutritional Anemia Among Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years Attending the Pediatric Outpatient Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nutritional anemia is one of the most common public health problems among under-five children, particularly in developing countries. It adversely affects physical growth, cognitive development, immunity, and overall child health. Early identification of the pattern and determinants of anemia is essential for effective preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 150 children aged 6 months to 5 years attending the Pediatric Outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, feeding practices, nutritional status, and clinical history were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Hemoglobin estimation and complete blood count were performed for all participants. Severity and morphological pattern of anemia were assessed according to WHO criteria.

Results: The prevalence of nutritional anemia was found to be 64.0%. Moderate anemia (47.9%) was the most common severity pattern, while microcytic hypochromic anemia (66.7%) was the predominant morphological type. Significant association of anemia was observed with malnutrition (p<0.001), delayed complementary feeding (p<0.001), absence of exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.002), low socioeconomic status (p<0.001), poor maternal education (p<0.001), and recurrent infections (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Nutritional anemia remains highly prevalent among under-five children and is strongly associated with nutritional, socioeconomic, and feeding-related factors.

Keywords: Nutritional anemia, Under-five children, Iron deficiency anemia, Feeding practices, Malnutrition