Frequency of Anemia among Primary School Children in Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs02025191.2Keywords:
Anemia, Primary School Children, Hemoglobin, Nutritional Deficiency, Socioeconomic Status, Lahore, Pakistan, Cross-sectional StudyAbstract
Background: Anemia is one of the most common and yet most neglected public health problems among school-aged children in developing countries, including Pakistan. It results in tremendous repercussions for growth, cognition, academic performance, and, in general, health.
Aim: To find out the frequency and severity of anemia among primary school children of Lahore and to evaluate the association between anemia and demographic, nutritional, and socioeconomic factors.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from 1st January 2024 and 31st October 2024 in selected public and private schools of Lahore. There were included through stratified random sampling a total of 80 children aged from 6 to 12 years from Grades 1 to 5. Data from demographic indicators, socioeconomic status, dietary patterns, and BMI were recorded. Measurements of hemoglobin levels were made using an automated hematology analyzer. The definition of anemia was according to the WHO guidelines. SPSS version 26.0 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Of 80 children, 42(52.5%) were found to be anemic. There was 38.75 percent of moderate anemia, 13.75 percent of mild anemia, with no case of severe anemia. Children from lower-income households (65%), underweight children (65.4%), and in lower grades (Grade 1 and 2) were more anemic. Prevalence was slightly higher in the female students (55%) as compared to males (50%).
Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent in primary school children of Lahore, particularly in younger age, undernourished school children, and socioeconomically disadvantaged families. There is an urgent need for immediate public health interventions such as school-based nutritional education, iron supplementation, and awareness programs to alleviate this burden and to promote child health.
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