Browsing by Author "Dr. Kajoba Dickson"

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    Prevalence and Factors Associated with Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Children aged 6 – 23 months in Bushenyi- Ishaka Municipality
    (Kampala International University, 2023-05) Dr. Kajoba Dickson
    Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is still a global public health concern with heaviest burden among children 6 to 23 months. This is because of their rapid growth spurt exceeding what breastmilk can supply. Therefore, nutritional supply is a key source of iron to attain required nutrients for better growth and development. Objective: To determine the prevalence, factors associated and value of Mentzer index when compared with RDW plus microcytosis in IDA diagnosis among children aged 6 to 23 months attending selected health facilities in Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality. Methodology: This was a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study done at Ishaka Adventist Hospital (IAH) and Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) from April to July 2022. Ethical approval obtained at KIU REC (KIU-2021-56) and Participants were enrolled consecutively into the study. Structured questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recall and clinical assessment were used to obtain data. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) 22nd version. At univariable analysis data was summarised using measures of central tendencies. Bivariable and multivariable analysis was done using logistic regression for associations with significance set at P-value <0.05. Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to established correlation between Mentzer index and RDW plus microcytosis. Results: A total of 364 participants were enrolled, majority were males 198(54.4%) and born at term 333(91.5%). The modal age was 12-17 months [163(44.8%)] with a mean age of 14.1 months (SD 5.32). The overall prevalence of IDA was 151/364 (41.5%). The factors associated with IDA included male sex (aOR 1.612), current episode of diarrhoea (aOR 1.705), less than the minimum recommended meal frequency (aOR 1.781), no vegetable consumption (aOR2.466) 7 days preceding the study and consuming fruits once(aOR1.972) in 7 days preceding the study. Additionally, Mentzer index had a strong positive significant correlation with RDW plus microcytosis with spearman correlation coefficient of 0.521. Conclusion and recommendation: IDA is highly prevalent with at least four in 10 infants 6-23 months affected. Screening should be recommended in male children with current diarrhoea, poor intake of fruits and vegetables and with poor meal frequency. Mentzer index is a good alternative screening test for IDA.