Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Development in Children Aged 6 to 24 Months

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 6 to 24 months at the time of enrollment * Diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia (for the exposure group) or confirmed * non-anemic status (for the control group) based on blood test results * Resident in the study area for at least 6 months prior to enrollment * Availability of parental or guardian consent to participate in the study and willingness to follow study protocols * Completion of all baseline assessments, including neurodevelopmental and physical growth evaluations Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of congenital or chronic illnesses that could affect * neurodevelopment, such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy. * History of severe infections or trauma within 3 months prior to enrollment that * could influence neurodevelopmental outcomes * Current use of medications or treatments that may interfere with iron metabolism (e.g., iron supplementation or blood transfusions in the last 6 months) * Premature birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) or low birth weight (\< 2,500 grams) * Parental refusal to provide consent or non-compliance with study procedures.