Investigating Nutritional Anaemia Prevalence among Patients Seeking Care at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, Bangladesh

Abstract

Aim and Objective: Nutritional Anaemia is a condition resulting from inadequate intake of essential hematopoietic nutrients required for hemoglobin and red blood cell synthesis. It is often acquired through a diet lacking a sufficient quantity of bioavailable nutrients. In addition, exposure to environmental factors such as hookworm, schistosomiasis, and other parasites can cause excessive loss or competition for hematopoietic nutrients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nutritional Anaemia among patients receiving care at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the laboratory of Chuadanga Sadar Hospital in Bangladesh. A retrospective and cross-sectional study design was used, and the study population consisted of 96 non-hospitalized patients with suspected nutritional Anaemia. Blood samples were collected from eligible patients, and the Sysmex 500i automated machine was used to analyze the samples. Data on factors associated with nutritional Anaemia were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study found a high prevalence of nutritional Anaemia, with factors such as malnutrition and intestinal worm infection being significantly associated with the condition. Results: This study found that iron deficiency Anaemia was prevalent among 68.0% of children and 77.2% of women, with MCV and MCH serving as useful indicators. The study also identified risk factors for nutritional Anaemia, including intestinal and blood parasites (27.6% and 12.9%, respectively), pregnancy (6.4%), prolonged menstruation (7.7%), and taking food supplements (22.9%). The sample size included 96 individuals. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study found that iron deficiency Anaemia was prevalent among both children and women attending Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, with MCV and MCH serving as useful indicators. Risk factors for Anaemia included environmental factors such as parasitic infections, physiological status such as prolonged menstruation and pregnancy, and nutritional factors such as taking food supplements. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve nutrition, access to healthcare, and prevent parasitic infections to reduce the burden of Anaemia. Limitations of the study include a small sample size and investigation of only two types of Anaemia.