Childhood anemia prevalence and associated factors in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Open Access
- 1 December 2004
- journal article
- Published by FapUNIFESP (SciELO) in Cadernos de Saude Publica
- Vol. 20 (6), 1633-1641
- https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-311x2004000600022
Abstract
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 11.0 g/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.Keywords
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