Characteristics of Anemia Among Children Aged 0–24 Months at RSUD Raden Mattaher Jambi, Indonesia (2018–2023)

Abstract

Background: Anemia in children aged 0–24 months is a condition in which hemoglobin levels are below the normal range for age and may adversely affect growth and development. This age period represents a rapid growth phase with increased iron requirements. The high prevalence of anemia in children and the limited data regarding the characteristics of pediatric anemia patients at RSUD Raden Mattaher Jambi highlight the need to describe the characteristics of anemia in this age group. Methods: This study was a descriptive study with a retrospective approach using secondary data from medical records of children aged 0–24 months diagnosed with anemia at RSUD Raden Mattaher Jambi during 2018–2023. A total of 61 patients met the inclusion criteria. The variables analyzed included age, sex, and nutritional status assessed using WHO Z-score indicators: weight-for-age (W/A), height-for age (H/A), and weight-for-height (W/H). Data were presented as frequency distributions and cross-tabulations. Results: Most anemia cases were found in children aged 0–6 months (47.5%) and were more common in females (57.4%). Based on weight-for-age, the majority of children were classified as severely underweight (52.5%) and underweight (29.5%). Based on height-for-age, most children were categorized as severely stunted (49.2%) and stunted (42.6%). Meanwhile, based on weight-for-height, anemia was found in children with normal nutritional status (44.3%) and underweight status (36.1%). Conclusion: Anemia in children aged 0–24 months at RSUD Raden Mattaher Jambi was most frequently found in those aged 0–6 months and was more common in females, with varying nutritional status. Early detection and nutritional education are necessary to prevent anemia.