The Prevalence of Anaemia and Its Associated Risk Factors in Children Admitted To General Paediatric Ward At Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan

Abstract

Introduction: Anaemia is a common medical condition among children worldwide, yet a commonly overlooked health problem if not life-threatening. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia in hospitalized children and identify its associated risk factors. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January to December 2021 on 792 patients aged 6 months to less than 12 years old with acute illnesses, who were admitted to the general paediatric ward in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. We analysed socioeconomic and demographic data, and risk factors associated with anaemia. Result: The overall prevalence of anaemia among children aged 6 months to less than 12 years old was 16.4%. The age group of 6 to 59 months has a significant association with anaemia with 3.73 odds compared to the age group of 5 to 11 years (Adj OR 3.73, 95% CI 2.53-5.49). Birth weight of more than 2.5kg has a significant association with anaemia with 1.80 odds compared to weight less than 2.5kg (Adj OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12-2.88). Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia in the studied population was considered as a mild public health problem according to WHO severity classification. Children aged 6 to 59 months and those with birth weight more than or equivalent to 2.5kg were more likely to be anaemic. Early iron supplementation should be taken into consideration to reduce anaemia in this population.