Prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in anaemic under-5 children in Enugu South East Nigeria

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia has been described as the commonest type of nutritional anaemia in infancy and childhood. The associated adverse health sequelae include permanent behavioural and cognitive impairments. Early detection and prompt treatment are necessary to prevent these complications. Aim: To determine the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of iron deficiency anaemia among anaemic under five children in Enugu. Subjects and methods: Under-five children presenting at a tertiary hospital were consecutively enrolled and screened for iron deficiency anaemia using haematocrit and serum ferritin levels. Iron deficiency anaemia was defined as haematocrit level