Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia among Children Aged 5 months - 12 years at Al Anbar Province

Background : Anemia is one of the most common diseases of childhood and it is a health problem globally, particularly in developing regions. anemia during childhood is strongly associated with neurological development, and cognitive and immune function, and can lead to mental impairment and poor motor development. Aims of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of anemia among children aged 5 months -12 years in Haditha City. Methodology: A descriptive quantitative study is carried out at General Haditha Hospital and out clinic in Haditha City from January 15th 2020 to June 18th 2020 in order to assess prevalence and risk factors of anemia among children aged 5 months - 12 years . A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the characteristics of the children and members of their families. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured by using a micro chemical reaction method. Results: In total, 340 children were included in this study. The prevalence of anemia was 82.4% . The results show that diarrhea and fever in the previous two weeks (23.2%, 52.4%) respectively, and 19.1% caregivers could identify the optimum timing of complementary feeding but only 20.9% could identify the first complementary food which should be consumed by infants . Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia among children 5 months to 12 years of age was 82.4% .The feeding practice of caregivers was associated with anemia and the caregiver nutritional knowledge was low . Nutrition improvement projects are needed to reduce the burden of anemia among children . Key Words : Risk Factors, Anemia, Children