A Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence of Anemia in Children Below 5 Years, Kuthambakkam Village, Tamil Nadu

Background: Anemia deficiency is a significant public health problem that occurs worldwide in both developed and developing countries. Iron deficiency anaemia in children has been linked to increased childhood morbidity and impaired cognitive development and school performance. Children between 5 and 12 years of age are at a critical stage of intellectual development, and optimization of their cognitive performance during this period could have life-long benefits. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among children below five years of age in Kuthambakkam village and to find the factors associated with anemia among study participants. Material and Method: A Cross sectional study conducted among Children below 5 years of age in Kuthambakkam area. A pre-tested questionnaire, clinical examination was done to find out anemia among study subjects. The sample size calculated was 150.Dataanalysis:Proportions and chi-square was used for analysis. Results: The prevalence of anemia was found to be 37(25.17%). Conclusion: Measures for treating anaemia should also be strengthened; doses should be modified according to the current anaemia status of the children.