Childhood anemia prevalence and associated factors in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

• Main Author: Assis, Ana Marlucia de Oliveira
• Publication Date: 2004
• Other Authors: Barreto, Mauricio Lima, Gomes, Gecynalda Soares da Silva, Prado, Matildes da Silva, Santos, Nedja Silva dos, Santos, Leonor Maria Pacheco, Sampaio, Lílian Ramos, Ribeiro, Rita de Cássia, Oliveira, Lucivalda Pereira Magalhães de, Oliveira, Valterlinda Alves de
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositório Institucional da UFBA
• Download full: http://www.repositorio.ufba.br/ri/handle/ri/3593
• topic: Anemia; Preschool Child; Logistic Models; Anemia; Pré-escolar; Modelos Logísticos

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1996 to estimate the prevalence of anemia in a stratified sample of 603 preschool children and identify factors associated with the disease. Hemoglobin assays were conducted in finger-prick blood samples using a Hemocue hemoglobinometer. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin below 11.0g/dl. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the potential associations. Observed anemia prevalence was 46.3%. Associated factors were: the 6-12-month and 12-24-month age brackets, the lowest tertiles for iron density and protein content dietary intake, and any degree of deficit in the height-for-age anthropometric parameter. Inadequate physical, sanitary, and environmental conditions in the home were associated with a significantly increased risk of anemia. Anemia constitutes an important health problem in this study's child population. Improvements in living conditions and dietary quality could contribute to a reduction in anemia prevalence.