Assessing behavioural and nutritional outcomes in paediatric iron deficiency anaemia: an observational study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20242327Keywords:
Iron deficiency anemia, Pediatric health, Developmental delays, Behavioral outcomes, Nutritional interventionsAbstract
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder among children, significantly impacting their growth, development, and behavior. This study aims to assess the behavioral and nutritional outcomes in pediatric IDA in Bangladesh.
Methods: This observational study was conducted at Ad-din Barrister Rafique-ul Huq Hospital, along with various private hospitals, from June 2023 to June 2024. A total of 114 children diagnosed with IDA were included. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, nutritional habits, developmental milestones, and behavioral patterns were collected and analyzed.
Results: The majority of participants (60.53%) were aged between 6 to 12 months, with a mean age of 16.13±14.99 months. Boys constituted 75.44% of the sample. Significant symptoms included weakness (84.21%), frequent infections (82.46%), and fatigue (76.32%). The mean hemoglobin level was 8.51±0.95 g/dl, indicating severe anemia. Nutritional assessments revealed that 39.47% were breastfed for 6-12 months, and 31.58% were not given any formula. Developmental delays were observed in 55.26% of the children. Behavioral assessments showed 78.95% exhibited picky eating habits, 63.16% were frequently crying, and 60.53% had a strong attachment to their caregivers.
Conclusion: The study underscores the profound impact of IDA on the developmental and behavioral health of children. There is a critical need for targeted interventions, including improved iron supplementation programs and timely introduction of solid foods, to address the nutritional deficiencies and developmental delays associated with IDA. Future research should focus on long-term studies to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions.
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