Prevalence and Associated Factors of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Under-5 Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Iron deficiency anemia is a common health problem that affects children under the age of five. Children’s cognitive performance is impaired by iron deficiency, which impacts their psychomotor development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence and associated factors of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among under-5 children. Methods. Relevant publications published till March 30, 2021 were identified in databases such as Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, Popline, EMBASE, African Journals Online, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The STATA version 11 software was utilized for the analysis. To determine the level of heterogeneity, I2 test statistics were used. To detect publication bias, funnel plots analysis and the Egger weighted regression test were used. Results. The global pooled prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency was 16.42% (95% CI: 10.82, 22.01) and 17.95% (95% CI: 13.49, 22.41), respectively. Age less than 2 years (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.38) and living in a large family size (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.58) were associated with iron deficiency anemia. Children born from anemic mother, low birth weight, and do not drink iron fortified milk (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.36), (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.36) and (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.46), respectively were associated factors of iron deficiency in under-5 children. Conclusion. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency was significant across the globe, particularly in Asia and Africa. Therefore, regular screening and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are required especially in high-risk children to reduce their complication. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021267060

Nutrition in chronic inflammatory conditions: Bypassing the mucosal block for micronutrients

“…260 The global pooled prevalence for 2022 is 16% for iron-deficient anemia and 18% for iron deficiency. 261…”

“…Particularly, children under 5 years, adolescents, and women of childbearing age have the highest risk, but also lifestyle factors such as a vegan diet, blood donations, and elite endurance athletes are at higher risk 260 . The global pooled prevalence for 2022 is 16% for iron‐deficient anemia and 18% for iron deficiency 261 …”

Is there an association between early childhood caries and iron deficiency anaemia?

“…Early childhood caries (ECC) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are common health conditions affecting young children worldwide. 1,2…”

Maternal gestational iron status and infant haematological and neurodevelopmental outcomes

“…It has functional roles in enzymes and haemoproteins that regulate oxygen delivery to the brain, anatomical development of white and grey matter, synthesis and metabolism of certain neurotransmitters, magnitude and maturity of brain electrical potentials, and expression of genes that regulate the central nervous system 1–16 . Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world, affecting close to 2 billion people, mostly women and their offspring 17 . The risk for ID varies across the lifespan of humans and depends on factors such as iron availability and rates of utilisation.…”