Anaemia Among Children Who Attended the Children’s Teaching Hospital in Karbala, Iraq

Abstract

Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a moderate incidence of anaemia among pregnant and nonpregnant women and among children younger than 59 months in 2011. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate anaemia among children younger than 14 years submitted to haematological exams at the Children’s Teaching Hospital in Karbala, Iraq. Patients and Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Children’s Teaching Hospital Laboratory Department in Karbala, Iraq, from 1 July 2019 until 1 September 2019. Results The prevalence of anaemia among children aged 0–14 years in Karbala was 9.9%. There was no significant relationship between the type of anaemia diagnosed and age or sex. However, there was a significantly positive relationship between the type of anaemia diagnosed and each ferritin level, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (p<0.0001). The study participant skull diameter and length in relation to sex were compared to the WHO reference values for child growth standards, and the study values were less than the normal range for children below 5 years of age. Conclusion A high prevalence of anaemia among children was reported with its apparent consequence on their health. This study highlights the prevalence of anaemia among children up to 14 years of age in Karbala, and future research is encouraged.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Different Age Groups in Duhok City, Kurdistan region, Iraq

“…In a comprehensive study by Albaroodi et al, the prevalence of IDA in Iraq was found to be increasing due to factors such as inadequate dietary intake, poor iron absorption, and parasitic infections (Albaroodi, 2021). The authors emphasized the importance of addressing the growing burden of IDA on the healthcare system and the overall well-being of affected populations.…”

“…Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a pervasive public health issue that disproportionately affects populations in developing countries (World Health Organization, 2021). Iraq country, is no exception to this global challenge, as it faces unique social, economic, and infrastructural barriers that contribute to the high prevalence of IDA (Albaroodi, 2021). This study aims to explore the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among various age groups in Duhok, Iraq, and identify potential risk factors and interventions that could mitigate this pressing health concern.…”

“…It has been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including impaired cognitive development in children, decreased work productivity in adults, and increased risk of maternal and infant mortality (WHO, 2021). In Iraq, the prevalence of IDA has been on the rise, largely due to inadequate dietary intake, poor iron absorption, and other factors such as parasitic infections (Albaroodi, 2021).…”