Iron deficiency anemia among 3-year-old children and its management in primary health care in Bahrain

Abstract EN

Background and objectives: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional anemia in children, worldwide.

No recent data are available about its prevalence in Bahrain.

This study was conducted to measure the prevalence of IDA among 3-year-old children attending child screening clinic at healthcare centers and evaluate the adequacy of management interventions.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted among 3-year-old children attending child screening clinics at local healthcare centers in Bahrain.

A total of 450 children were included in the study using multistage stratified proportional sampling.

The data were collected from child screening booklets, family medical records, and laboratory data.

Data included demographic characteristics, capillary hemoglobin levels, additional tests for anemic patient such as complete blood count, reticulocyte count, serum iron and ferritin levels, management, and follow-up plans.

Results: The prevalence of anemia was 30%.

Only 40% of children received treatment for anemia.

The iron dose prescribed was adequate in the majority of cases (97%).

Diet advice and follow-up plans were reported for one-third of the anemic patients.

The percentage of defaulter was 33%.

Conclusion: A significant percentage of 3-year-old children in Bahrain suffer from IDA.

This raises the need to increase adherence to IDA guideline and management protocols in local healthcare centers in Bahrain