Iron deficiency anemia in childhood: prevalence and associated factors in Brazilian Amazonia.

Author(s)

Teresa Gontijo de Castro

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP/CIR)
• Defense date: 2007-02-08

Examining board members

Marly Augusto Cardoso; Pedro Israel Cabral de Lira; Carlos Augusto Monteiro; Jose Maria Pacheco de Souza; Sonia Isoyama Venancio

• Advisor: Marly Augusto Cardoso

Abstract

Objective: To describe the nutritional status of preschool children living in Brazilian Amazonia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban area of the towns of Acrelândia (n=477) e Assis Brasil (n=200), Acre State. Results: The results are presented in 3 articles: 1) Child health and nutrition in Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two towns in Acre State; 2) Prevalence and associated factors with iron deficiency anemia in preschool children in Brazilian Amazonia; 3) Dietary practices and nutritional status of 0-24-month-old children from Brazilian Amazonia. Conclusions: The overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age and low height-for-age were respectively 3.7%, 8.7% and 7.5%, with similar figures in both towns. Anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia were diagnosed in 30.6%, 43.5%, and 20.9% of the children, respectively. Age under 24 months (Odds Ratio – OR = 13.7; 95% Confidence Interval – CI = 5.66-33.27) and history of a recent diarrhea episode (OR=1.57; 95% CI = 1.01-2.45) were associated with a risk for iron deficiency anemia; however; the highest tertile of wealth index was a protector factor for iron deficiency anemia. Among under-twos, breastfeeding was initiated by 97.3% of mothers. Early feeding with complementary foods was observed (prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in babies under 6 months: 31.4%). Dietary pattern reflected a high intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and cow’s milk, with irregular intakes of fruit, vegetables and meat. All infants and 92.3% of toddlers were at risk of inadequate iron intakes. Iron from animal foods contributed on average 0.5% and 14.3% of total dietary iron among infants and toddlers, respectively. (AU)