Abstract

EFFECT OF WEEKLY IRON SUPPLEMENTATION ON HEMOGLOBIN STATUS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN DONGOLA CITY

Kamal Abdullah Ali, Sania Shaddad*, Diab Hussein and Anwar Alkordofani

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Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia is an important public health problem in Sudan. Between 1994 and 1995, the survey observed a high prevalence (84.6%) of hemoglobin concentrations below 110.0g/l in the population of children between 6 month and 5 years. Objective: Study the effect of weekly iron supplementation on hemoglobin status in preschool children in Dongola city. Materials and Methods: A weekly medication scheme, in kindergartens was evaluated in order to make it feasible for routine use. The study was conducted in three kindergartens in Dongola town - Sudan. The iron supplement (6 mg/kg) was provided on a weekly basis to all children (n=72) 3 to 5 years old during three months at the institution by the researcher to control hemoglobin levels. This is an intervention study whose individuals were examined at two different periods: at the beginning of treatment (T1); and after three months of iron supplementation (T2). Hemoglobin measurements were obtained using a portable digital colorimeter–(lab- tech, made in India, SR.NO.15605/05/08) Cyanmethemoglobin. Results: The prevalence of anemia in study group was 60%. A significant improvement was observed in the hemoglobin levels of the children after controlling for age and initial hemoglobin. The hemoglobin concentration of these children improved an average of 0.067 g/l after each dose of iron sulfate. At the end of three months there was an average gain of 0.8 g/l, and prevalence of anemia reduced by 50%. Conclusion: The intervention proved to be feasible for child-care centers and pre-school population.

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