Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences (AJMBS)

PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN PRESENTING TO THE PAEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT CLINIC AT A TERTIARY CARE FACILITY

Authors

  • Misbah Nargis

    Author

  • Zubair Ahmad

    Author

  • Maria Saeed

    Author

Keywords:
Anemia, Body Mass Index, Children, Hemoglobin, Outpatients, Socioeconomic Factors, Tertiary Healthcare
Abstract

Background: Anemia in children remains a critical public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings across Asia and Africa. It contributes significantly to childhood morbidity, impaired growth, delayed cognitive development, and reduced physical capacity. Globally, anemia affects 43% of children under five, with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) accounting for nearly half of the burden. Resource-constrained regions, such as South Asia, continue to carry the highest prevalence, underscoring the need for localized screening and intervention strategies.

Objective: To determine the frequency of anemia in primary school children presenting to the pediatric outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Outpatient Department of Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore, from February 15, 2018, to August 14, 2018. A total of 150 primary school children aged 5 to 11 years presenting with minor acute illnesses were enrolled after obtaining informed parental consent. Demographic data were recorded using a structured proforma. Venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected under aseptic conditions and analyzed for hemoglobin levels using an automated hematology analyzer. Anemia was defined using WHO criteria. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and socioeconomic status was categorized. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and chi-square test was applied for associations.

Results: Among the 150 participants, the average age was calculated as  years. The recorded mean haemoglobin value stood at  g/dL, whereas the mean BMI was found to be  kg/m². Anaemia was identified in 21 children, accounting for 14% of the total sample. Statistically significant relationships emerged when anaemia was compared against age category (), socioeconomic class (), and BMI (). In contrast, gender did not show a meaningful association with anaemia ().

Conclusion: Anemia was detected in a notable proportion of school-aged children and was significantly linked to nutritional and socioeconomic factors. Early screening and targeted public health strategies are warranted.

Author Biographies
  1. Misbah Nargis

    Senior Registrar Pediatric Medicine, Indus Hospital QF, NST Campus, Pakistan.

  2. Zubair Ahmad

    Senior Registrar Pediatrics Department, Services Hospital Jail Road Lahore, Pakistan.

  3. Maria Saeed

    Jinnah Hospital Lahore As Post Graduate Trainee In Gyne & Obs, Pakistan.

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Published
2025-02-28
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Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences (AJMBS)
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Copyright (c) 2025 Misbah Nargis, Zubair Ahmad, Maria Saeed (Author)

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PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN PRESENTING TO THE PAEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT CLINIC AT A TERTIARY CARE FACILITY. (2025). Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences, 2(1), 1-14. https://axisjmbs.com/index.php/home/article/view/11