A Study to Assess the Level of Anemia Among Under Five Children Admitted in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Kuppam, Chittoor District, AP

Volume: 11 | Issue: 02 | Year 2025 | Subscription
International Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Received Date: 10/25/2025
Acceptance Date: 11/13/2025
Published On: 2025-11-19
First Page: 20
Last Page: 25

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By: S. Subhavelvizhi, M Melvin David, S. Sukanya, and Divya Johny.

1. Professor, Dept. of Child Health Nursing, PES College of Nursing, Andhra Pradesh
2. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Community Health Nursing, PES College of Nursing, Andhra Pradesh
3. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Child Health Nursing, PES College of Nursing, Andhra Pradesh
4. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Child Health Nursing, College of Nursing Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Karnataka
5. 4th Year B.Sc Nursing Student, PES College of Nursing, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Anemia, characterized by insufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly affecting preschool-aged children. This condition can lead to tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath, and in children, it adversely impacts mental, physical, and social development. Globally, a substantial proportion of preschool children suffer from anemia, with prevalence varying across regions. In India, anemia in children remains a major concern, with national surveys indicating a high burden. This study aimed to assess the level of anemia in under-five children admitted to the pediatric ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kuppam, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was adopted for this study. The study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. The population of the study comprised children aged between 6 months and 54 months who were admitted to the pediatric wards of the hospital. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit a sample of 175 children who met the inclusion criteria. Data on demographic variables and hemoglobin levels were collected from the participants. The level of anemia was classified based on WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis, including frequency, percentage distribution, and chi-square tests, was performed to assess the level of anemia and its association with demographic variables. Results: The study revealed that a significant proportion of the admitted under-five children suffered from anemia. The majority of the children, 82 (47%), had mild anemia, while 53 (30%) were classified as anemic (hemoglobin <11 g/dL), 32 (18%) had moderate anemia, and 8 (5%) had severe anemia. Analysis of demographic variables indicated that the sex of the caregiver, the breadwinner of the family, and the family size had a statistically significant association with the level of anemia. Specifically, a higher proportion of anemia was observed among children whose caregivers were male, where the breadwinner was female, and in families with a nuclear structure. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the considerable prevalence of anemia, predominantly mild anemia, among under-five children admitted to the tertiary care hospital in Kuppam. The significant associations between anemia levels and certain demographic variables underscore the importance of considering these factors in developing targeted interventions to address childhood anemia in this region. Enhancing knowledge regarding anemia among caregivers through various channels is crucial for improving child health outcomes.

Keywords: Anemia, Under-five children, Prevalence, Demographic variables, Tertiary care hospital.

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Citation:

How to cite this article: S. Subhavelvizhi, M Melvin David, S. Sukanya, and Divya Johny A Study to Assess the Level of Anemia Among Under Five Children Admitted in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Kuppam, Chittoor District, AP. International Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 2025; 11(02): 20-25p.

How to cite this URL: S. Subhavelvizhi, M Melvin David, S. Sukanya, and Divya Johny, A Study to Assess the Level of Anemia Among Under Five Children Admitted in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Kuppam, Chittoor District, AP. International Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 2025; 11(02): 20-25p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijpn/article=21864

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