Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
International Family and Community Studies
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Mark Small
Committee Member
Dr. Susan P. Limber
Committee Member
Dr. Natallia Sianko
Committee Member
Dr. Bonnie Holaday
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most prevalent disorders worldwide, especially in children from low-income and underdeveloped countries. In Albania, anemia is a major public health concern with many unstudied regions (prefectures and rural municipalities). Childhood IDA can impair cognitive development, immunity and overall well-being, so early diagnosis and prevention of anemia is critical. This study examined the prevalence of IDA in children aged 0-10 years in the district of Elbasan, Albania. The data were additionally analyzed for relationships with demographic (age, gender, education, parental education and child academic performance) and nutrition variables.
A cross-sectional study design was used with a sample of 198 children aged 0–10 years, from both urban and rural communities. Laboratory data and a questionnaire were used to evaluate the associations between IDA and independent variables. Statistical analyses included descriptive, chi-square tests, and odds ratio, to assess the associations between IDA and independent variables.
The overall prevalence of IDA was 28.8%. There was no statistically significant association between age group (0–5 years vs. 6–10 years); (p = .102). Children living in rural areas had not a statistically significant (χ² (1) = 3.07, p= .08). Nutritional factors were also important: children without iron-rich food intake had a significantly higher prevalence of anemia (42.4%) than those who consumed iron-rich foods (10.0%) ; (p = .001). Although children of parents with only high school education level had higher rates of anemia (34.7%) than those with university-educated parents (25.2%), this difference was not statistically significant (p = .154). There was a statistically significant association between iron deficiency anemia status and academic performance (p < .001). Recommendations for health care policies in Albania to improve screening and treatment are provided.
Recommended Citation
Lala, Artilda, "A Prevalence Study of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Children in Elbasan, Albania: Directions for Health Care Policy" (2025). All Dissertations. 4116.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/4116