Factors Related to Hemoglobin levels among Infants Aged 6-12 Months After the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

When a baby is between 6 and 12 months old, hemoglobin is a key predictor of anemia. At Sophisai Hospital in the province of Bueng Kan, this exploratory research aims to investigate variables affecting hemoglobin levels. Between October 2022 and March 2023, this study was carried out. 192 newborns were included in the sample, which was made up of 96 infants aged 6 to 12 months and 96 caretakers. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that 64.60% of caregivers of infants 6-12 months had infant caregiver health belief patterns, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity of anemia, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits there are high level. The majority of infant caregivers are female (89.60%), the mean age was 36.33 years (SD.=13.47), experience in raising infants was 76.00%, and caregivers were parents of infants. According to the findings, 62.50 percent of newborns aged 6 to 12 months were male. 9.24 months on average (SD: 2.161). A 38.04-week gestational age on average (SD: 1.075) Birth weight of 2,500 grams was 88.50% (Mean: 2,952.88, SD: 425.716), and the birth method was natural was 80.20%. Infants' hemoglobin levels were 72.90% (Mean: 11.436; SD: 0.9961) at 11 g/dl. Infant caregiver age (P = 0.009), parental status (P = 0.031), infant caregiver relevance (p = 0.001), infant birth weight (P = 0.004), health belief patterns (p = 0.001), perceived susceptibility (p = 0.001), perceived severity (p = 0.001), and cues to action (p = 0.001) are factors associated with hemoglobin levels in infants aged 6 to 12 months who have anemia. The effort done in the area to improve mother and child health can benefit from these factors.