Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & Objectives: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder with known complications throughout the world, especially in developing countries. The prevalence of IDA is different in various regions and its status has not been evaluated in North Khorasan province. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of IDA and its related factors in infants aged 6-24 months admitted in the pediatric ward for different diseases. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic study was performed on 181 subjects chosen by non-random sampling method from hospitalized children aged 6 to 24 months during a 3-month period (April- June 2009). Laboratory tests such as Hb, HCT, Fe, TIBC and Occult blood were assessed to distinguish children with and without IDA. Demographic characteristics of children and their IDA related factors gathered by completing a check list during interviews with infants’ mothers. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests the differences were considred to be significant when P<0.05. Results: Data Analysis illustrated that the prevalence of IDA in hospitalized infants was 31.5%. Furthermore, the study showed a significant difference in the mother's age, sex of children, and consumption of fish among IDA and non-IDA infants. No significant relationship was observed between age, consumption of ferrous salts, present weight and weight at birth and frequency of admission to hospital before the present illness with IDA. Conclusion: Although consumption of ferrous salts is an important factor in the prevention of IDA, widespread iron supplementation alone is likely to have only a limited impact on the overall prevalence of this condition. Multiple factors such as mothers' age, sex of infant, and consumption of fish may be involved in IDA. Therefore, medical staff should give more consideration to IDA and its impact on the health of infants.