Estado nutricional e prevalência de anemia em crianças menores de 36 meses

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of anemia associated with nutritional status in children under 36 months of age. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, analytical study conducted in 2007 comprising 374 children under 36 months of age enrolled at a municipal day care center. Anthropometric assessment and blood sample collection were performed, being measured Hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (SFe) and serum ferritin (SF). For statistical analysis, chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were used. Results: The prevalence of anemia among preschool children was of 10.9% (n=19). Inadequate levels of serum ferritin and serum iron were present in 7.5% (n=13) and 27.6% (n=48) of the children, respectively. The children’s nutritional status showed no statistically significant association with anemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in the studied population features a mild public health problem, without association with the nutritional status. doi:10.5020/18061230.2014.p109