Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia among Children Attending a Paediatric Outpatient Department: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background:

Childhood anemia remains a frequent nutritional and public health problem, particularly in children from socioeconomically vulnerable backgrounds.

 Objectives:

To estimate the prevalence of anemia and assess selected demographic, socioeconomic, dietary, nutritional, and clinical determinants among children attending a paediatric outpatient department.

 Methods:

This observational cross-sectional study included 100 children attending the paediatric outpatient department of Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, from August 2025 to January 2026. Demographic, socioeconomic, maternal, dietary, nutritional, worm infestation, and hemoglobin data were recorded. Associations between anemia status and determinants were analysed using Pearson's chi-square test.

 Results:

The mean age was 6.8 ± 3.4 years; 54.0% were males. The overall prevalence of anemia was 58.0%; mild, moderate, and severe anemia were observed in 24.0%, 28.0%, and 6.0% of children, respectively. Significant bivariate associations were observed with age group (χ²=8.80, p=0.032), socioeconomic status (χ²=11.04, p=0.004), maternal education (χ²=10.23, p=0.006), dietary pattern (χ²=6.82, p=0.009), inadequate green leafy vegetable intake (χ²=9.55, p=0.002), inadequate iron-rich food intake (χ²=13.74, p<0.001), undernutrition (χ²=14.35, p<0.001), and worm infestation (χ²=8.81, p=0.003). Gender and residence were not significantly associated.

 Conclusion:

Anemia was common, with moderate anemia forming the largest severity group. Socioeconomic vulnerability, poor dietary intake, undernutrition, and worm infestation were important associated determinants.

 Recommendations:

Routine anemia screening, dietary counselling, caregiver nutrition education, growth monitoring, iron supplementation where indicated, and periodic deworming should be strengthened in paediatric outpatient services.