Study of Perinatal & Environmental Factors Associated With Anemia in Preschool Children in Rural Field Practice Area of Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra

摘要

"Background: Despite various measures implemented over the years anemia continues to remain a public health challenge. To reduce anemia in preschool children, targeted interventions are needed that take into account the local factors responsible for anemia at an early age. The study was conducted to assess the environmental and perinatal factors associated with of anemia in preschool children in rural area. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conduct-ed amongst 280 preschool children in the field practice area of Dept. of Community Medicine of T. N. Medical College, Mumbai during the period of May 2016 to April 2017. Hemoglobin colour scale indicator was used to grade the anemia. Results: Prevalence of anemia was 31.1% among the preschool children. Birth order, anemia in mother, home delivery, preterm birth, lack of exclusive breast feeding, immunization status, an-thropometry, source of water, open defecation, and worm infestation showed significant association with presence of anemia. Conclusion: anemia still remains a public health problem in the rural area. Early and targeted interventions with regular follow up need to be undertaken at grass root level to reduce its prevalence in the population.