Extent of Anaemia among Preschool Children in EAG States, India: A Challenge to Policy Makers

Abstract

Background. India is the highest contributor to child anemia. About 89 million children in India are anemic. The study determines the factors that contributed to child anemia and examines the role of the existing programs in reducing the prevalence of child anemia particularly in the EAG states. Methods. The data from the latest round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) is used. Simple bivariate and multinomial logistics regression analyses are used. Results. About 70% children are anemic in all the EAG states. The prevalence of severe anemia is the highest (6.7%) in Rajasthan followed by Uttar Pradesh (3.6%) and Madhya Pradesh (3.4%). Children aged 12 to 17 months are significantly seven times (RR = 7.99, P < 0.001) more likely to be severely anemic compared to children of 36 to 59 months. Children of severely anemic mothers are also found to be more severely anemic (RR = 15.97, P < 0.001) than the children of not anemic mothers. Conclusions. The study reveals that the existing government program fails to control anemia among preschool children in the backward states of India. Therefore, there is an urgent need for monitoring of program in regular interval, particularly for EAG states to reduce the prevalence of anemia among preschool children.

Prevalence and risk factors of anemia among children 6–59 months in India: A multilevel analysis

“…It is associated with a deficiency in iron content and decreased absorption of other micronutrients deficiencies which is needed to maintain normal haemoglobin status. 44,[60][61][62][63] In contrast with our findings, conclusions from other studies also indicate that women with low educational level were more likely to be anemic children, shows a significant association between education and anemia. [64][65][66] However, the current study didn't consider the prevalence of anemia among children of anemic mothers as mothers and children can share common socioeconomic status, home environment, and dietary…”

Magnitude of Anemia and Hematological Predictors among Children under 12 Years in Odisha, India

“…The prevalence of anemia was 70% in children aged 6–59 months [3]. The highest prevalence of anemia was seen in children <10 years, especially in those <5 years [4].…”

Fecal total iron concentration is inversely associated with fecalLactobacillusin preschool children

“…Approximately 40% of the preschool children in India are moderately anemic, and about equal number of them are moderately stunted. Iron deficiency anemia reduces the learning capacity, causing low intelligence, and ultimately impacting the growth of the country . All children recruited in this study were apparently healthy, asymptomatic, and school going.…”