Prevalence And Factors Associated With Iron Deficiency Anaemia Among Preterm Infants Attending Clinics In Dodoma City,Tanzania

AimIron deficiency anemia (IDA) among preterm infants is a global public health problem due to its effects on development, immunity and general growth that may be irreversible. Despite the high burden of preterm births in Tanzania the prevalence and factors associated with IDA among preterm infants remains relatively understudied and this constituted of the aim of this study. MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study design was conducted among 190 preterm infants who attended pediatric clinic in Dodoma City from December 2022 to May 2023. Socio-demographic, clinical information, and laboratory markers of hemoglobin and iron status were obtained. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine factors associated with the outcome (Iron Deficiency Anaemia). ResultsA total of 190 preterm infants were enrolled in the study and the mean age was 4.01 months (SD {+/-}0.99 month. The prevalence of IDA among preterm infants was 11.58%. Factors associated with IDA were very low birth weight (AOR 6.906, CI: 1.4774-32.359, p value < 0.0142), preterm infant not supplemented with Iron (AOR 6.282, CI:1.045-37.763, p value< 0.0446, multiple pregnancies (AOR 6.848, CI:1.692-27.708, p value <0.0006) and severe anaemia during pregnancy (AOR 11.998, CI:5.068-40.197, p value< 0.0001). ConclusionIron deficiency anemia was found to be 11.58% which fall under public health problem under WHO classification. To reduce IDA among preterm infants, there has to be an emphasis on iron supplementation to all preterm infants, and those with very low birth weight, born from mother who had multiple pregnancy and severe anaemia during pregnancy need close follow up and improved postnatal KeynotesO_LIThis study enrolled 190 preterm infants attending pediatric clinic in Dodoma city to determine factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) C_LIO_LIGlobally IDA in preterm infants range between 25 to 80, which complicates their prematurity by causing poor growth, poor functioning of multiple organ systems, poor neurological development and contributes to death and disability C_LIO_LIIron supplementation to all preterm infants is highly recommended C_LI