Anaemia Prevalence among Preschool Children: Exploring the Impact of Socio-economic Status

Description

Lizmitha Godwin (Department of Home Science, Morning Star College, Angamaly, Kerala, Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala)

Anaemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency in the number of red blood cells or a lower-than-normal concentration of haemoglobin in the blood, remains a global public health concern. While it affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, its impact on children is particularly significant. Anaemia in children not only compromises their overall health and well-being but also has long-lasting consequences that can affect their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. This study was undertaken among children from low socio-economic status who reside in slums. The sample was selected using random sampling techniques. Pre-schoolers in the age group of 3-5 years (N=376) were selected. The interview method was used to procure relevant information. Haemoglobin was estimated using the Cyanmethemoglobin Method. The major findings are that socio-economic status had a significant effect on haemoglobin levels (0.034*). Mild to moderate anaemic cases were mostly observed. Only a few boys (5.3%) and girls (1.8%) had normal haemoglobin status. The food and nutrient intake was found to be significantly low when compared with RDA.