Is iron deficiency a major cause of anaemia in Sri Lankan children aged 5-10 years?

BackgroundTo assess the iron status among children aged 5-10 years MethodsA cross sectional study in Gampaha district. A sample of 704 children aged 5-10 years resident in a sample of households selected using a two-stage sampling method. A pre tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio demographic characteristics, housing and sanitation facilities and other relevant variables from the households. Anthropometry was performed on all children aged 5-10 years using standard procedures. Venous blood samples were taken to assess the haemoglobin (Hb) level, levels of Serum Ferritin and C-Reactive Protein. ResultsOverall prevalence rate of anaemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in children aged 5-10 years in Gampaha district was 22.7%, 22.1% and 13.5% respectively. The prevalence of iron deficiency among the urban children was significantly higher than that among rural children. The source of water to the households in the households with piped water had a higher prevalence of iron deficiency which was different from the others. The prevalence of iron deficiency among stunted and wasted children was higher though not at a significant level. A substantial proportion of children who were not anaemic were iron deficient. ConclusionsIron deficiency is an important health problem in this population. Only half of iron deficient children were anaemic and anaemia cannot be solely explained by iron deficiency.