ABSTRACT
Background: Although there are several potential contributing factors to iron deficiency anemia in young children, eating foods with low levels of bioavailable iron is probably the biggest one. Young children are most at risk for iron deficiency due to fast development and usually insufficient dietary iron intake. The aim of this study was to assess the etiology and risk factors of iron deficiency anemia in children under five years.Material & Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in 250 bedded general hospital, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh, during the period from December 2020 to January 2022. Total 100 children having iron deficiency anemia under five years were included in this study.Results:Among 100 children with iron deficiency anemia, more than half (51%) of the children were in the age group of less than 1 year. Majority (52%) of the children were female. Most of the children (42%) were from low income family. More than half (65%) of the children had mild anemia. Inadequate iron-based food intake was the commonest (72%) causes of the study patient. Children taking iron supplementation was 14% and mothers taking iron supplementation during pregnancy was 67%. Dietary diversity score was poor for most of the children (59%). 67% had low birth weight and 28% had overweight. Children with early (<6 months) introduction of complementary foods was more than half (68%).Conclusions:Inadequate iron-based food intake is the commonest causes of iron deficiency anemia. Children mothers taking iron supplementation during pregnancy, low dietary diversity score, low birth weight and early (<6 months) introduction of complementary foods are the main risk factors.