Prevalence Of Hypochromic Microcytic Anaemia In Children Treated In Kepala Batas
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Date
2019
Authors
Nurul Nadiah Ishak
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Background
Anaemia has been recognised as a global health problem. The commonest types of anaemia in the world are hypochromic microcytic anaemia with the prevalent causes of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), thalassemia and anaemia of chronic disease (ACD). Although studies showed that the high incidence of anaemia is due to IDA and thalassemia, majority of the studies were done on a certain region such as suburban areas Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan. There is no study done specifically to look at specific locality in Kepala Batas, Penang, a semi rural area which is the reason why this study was conducted.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypochromic microcytic anaemia in children aged six months to 15 years old treated in Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Methodology
A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among 274 children age six months to 15 years old, treated in AMDI. The data were obtained from computerised hospital data (CARE2X), Laboratory Information System (LIS) or medical records. Parents of the eligible participants were called for any incomplete data and consents were obtained. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence whereas the relationship between independent variables with types of anaemia were examined using simple logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05.
Results
The prevalence of anaemia was 22.3%. Among the anaemic children, the predominant morphology was hypochromic microcytic anaemia (82.0%) followed with normochromic normocytic anaemia (18.0%). IDA was found to be the commonest cause (24.0%), followed by IDA with concomitant thalassaemia (14.0%) and thalassaemia alone (8.0%). In the simple logistic regression analysis, no significant association was found.
Conclusion
The prevalence of anaemia was 22.3%, which is considered as moderate public health problem according to WHO based on prevalence estimated from haemoglobin level. Hypochromic microcytic anaemia was predominant morphology form (82.0%) and IDA was the commonest causes (24.0%). Therefore, we recommend the health authorities to focus on early detection, advice on iron rich nutrition and prompt treatment to reduce the incidence of IDA in children.
Description
Keywords
Anaemia child