Iron deficiency ID, and Iron deficiency anaemia IDA are the most prevalent micronutrient disorders in the world, and extrapolating from 1985 data, IDA affects as many as 600to 800 million people (Ross and Horton, 1998). Recently there are increased efforts to prevent anaemia in children aged from six months to two years. This is because severe anaemia can cause lethargy and weakness, increase susceptibility to infection, slow mental development and reduce learning capacity.
Patient compliance, the degree to which a patient follows a treatment regimen, is a vital factor that determines the outcome of supplementation program.
This work aimed at piloting the impact of iron supplementation on control and prevention of anaemia of young children, as well as testing the compliance of children's mothers to the iron supplementation regimen.
Subject and Methods
Two Primary Health care centers from two districts in Qualiobia Governorates were chosen to select subjects for this study. Young children from each health center were taken during their visits to health facility for paediatric care during, 2002 and were followed up for six months. All mothers of young children enrolled in the present study, were subjected to an interview Questionnaire. Haemoglobin level for all young children was carried out using rapid test (cynanomethoglobine method, HaemoQue method).
Results and conclusion
Iron deficiency anaemia represents 63% of studied young children. Anaemia is highly prevalent among children from both rural and urban areas. Post iron supplementation, percentages of anaemia among children from both rural and urban areas dropped remarkably to a low level (14.7% & 13%, respectively).
The percentage of anaemia markedly dropped from the very high figure of 63%; pre iron supplementation; to a nadir of 13.8% during the 3rd follow up.
There was a high level of initial acceptance of iron supplementation regimen. (99.8%). Forgetfulness is a main cause of non-compliance to regular iron supplementation. Non-acceptance of unpleasant iron taste was reported by 18% of the whole study cases. Furthermore, the study showed non-adherence to instructions given at the health center, regarding haemoglobin assessment on scheduled regular visits by a very high percentage of mothers (82.3%), reflecting their negative behaviour patterns.
The study confirmed the high magnitude of anaemia among children. The positive impact of iron supplementation on both the correction of anaemia and the increase of mean haemoglobin was eminent. The positive impact of iron supplementation on the mean haemoglobin of anaemic group is more manifested.
Recommendations
The study recommends implementation of iron supplementation project. It should be integrated in child health care programs. However, conjoined efforts of all health care providers are required to enforce the success of national iron supplementation program. Besides, iron preparation; accepted by both mother and child; is to be selected. These preparations should be of good taste, dose easily measured and having no or minimal side effects.
|
