The relationship between the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children and the socioeconomic status of the family and nutrition

Aim: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status of the family and nutrition in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. Patients and Methods: Our study was conducted retrospectively by using anamnesis information and information form on the Hospital Information Management System Records of patients aged between 6 months and 18 years diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia who were admitted to Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Haematology Outpatient Clinic between 01 January 2018 and 01 March 2023. Results: Of a total of 251 patients, 56.6% were female and 43.4% were male. When the age distribution of the patients was analysed, 30.3% of the patients were between 6 months and 2 years of age. 51% of the patients were in the group who used the treatment appropriately and 49% were in the group who did not use the treatment appropriately. After 4 mg/kg/day iron treatment for one month, erythrocyte parameters of the patients before and after treatment were compared between the groups. A significant increase was observed in both groups (p<0.05). When the pre- and post-treatment erythrocyte parameters were compared, a significant change was found only in the group who used the drug appropriately in patients whose mothers were primary and secondary school graduates, whereas a significant increase was found both in the group who used the drug appropriately and in the group who did not use the drug appropriately in patients whose mothers were high school and undergraduate graduates. No significant change was found in the erythrocyte parameters compared before and after treatment in the group who did not use the drug appropriately among the subjects who had a carer at home. The rate of appropriate use of the treatment was found to be significantly lower in patients with low monthly income (p<0.05). In this group, no significant change was found in erythrocyte parameters before and after treatment between those who used the drug appropriately and those who did not. Diet and maternal employment status during the treatment period had no effect on treatment success. Conclusion: It was observed that the main factor affecting treatment success was the appropriate use of the drug. Treatment compliance and treatment success rate were significantly lower in the group with low family income. Treatment success was found to be low in patients whose maternal education level was primary and secondary school. Key word: Iron deficiency anaemia, socioeconomic level, treat