PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN CHILDREN 6 TO 59 MONTHS OF AGE IN GADAREF STATE, SUDAN -2013

Background: Anemia is a condition characterized by reduction in thevolume of red blood cells and a decrease in the blood concentration of haemoglobin (less than 11gm/dl). Haemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. This can lead to range of adverse symptoms. The most common cause of anemia worldwide is an iron deficiency. This study attempted to estimate the prevalence of anemia among children 6 to 59 months of age in Gadaref State, and to determine the related factors, which include socio demographic factors and nutritional status of children. Patients and Methods: A total of 384 children 6 to 59 months of age wereincluded in this cross sectional (community based) study in Gadaref State. The data was collected by interviewing mothers through questionnaire, clinical examination, and blood examination. Data was analyzed by the computer using SPSS.version16. Chi-Square test was used for testing significance. P=0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. Results: Forty eight percent of children were anemic; there is a significantrelation between anemia and nutrition of children in this age. Malnutrition was related to anemia in the affected children; 35.1 % of anemic children had mild malnutrition, 23.8% and17.3% had moderate and severe malnutrition subsequently. Social factors related to anemia in children in Gadaref State are: family income, size of the family and mother education. Conclusion The prevalence of anemia in children 6 to 59 months of age InGadaref State is high. It is more frequent in the age group of 23 months to 59 months; females are affected more than males. There is an association between anemia and nutritional status of children.