Prevalence of anemia in children from two rural schools at different altitudes. A transversal study

Abstract

Antecedent: Anemia is a global public health problem, frequently occurring in children. However, no conclusive evidence is available regarding the influence of high altitudes on anemia in Andean children. Objective: To determine the prevalence of anemia in children from two rural schools, living at different geographical altitudes, but within the same administrative region. Material and Methods: A transversal descriptive study was conducted between February and March 2017, through a secondary source, on children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. The patients were classified based on their residential location in Añaspamba and Lita, at 3300-3500 and 680-700 m above sea level, respectively. All the patients were subjected to a medical evaluation, including recording their anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels. Risk associations were also evaluated using the odds ratio. Results: The analysis included 228 patients. Anemia was identified in 27.67% and 11.59% children from Añaspamba and Lita, respectively. The risk association prevalent between anemia and residing at high altitudes was established (OR 2.92; p<0.01); anemia risk in overweight children was also evident (OR 2.92; p<0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia was greater in children from the rural community living at high altitudes. However, further studies are essential to clarify these risk associations.