Prevalência e fatores determinantes da anemia em crianças assistidas em creches de Belo Horizonte - MG

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of anemia in children attending daycare centers in the city of Belo Horizonte. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evalu - ated 312 children aged 7 to 59 months at - tending daycare centers of the East Sanitary District of Belo Horizonte. The diagnosis of anemia was determined by finger stick blood samples, using the Hemocue ® porta - ble photometer, considering hemoglobin levels below 11.0 g/dL. Weight and height were measured and nutritional status of children was classified according to WHO 2006 criteria. Variables were collected through a questionnaire answered by children ́s parents or guardians, containing socioeconomic aspects, in addition to infor - mation on maternal and children’s health. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the association between variables and anemia, with control for confounding variables. Results: The prevalence of anemia in the population studied was 30.8%, with a higher prevalence in children ≤ 24 months of age (71.1%). Risk factors for anemia were age ≤ 24 months (OR: 9.08 CI: 3.96 to 20.83), and height-for-age < −1 z-score (OR: 2.1, CI: 1.20 to 3.62). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of anemia in children attending day care centers in Belo Horizonte, espe - cially those younger than 24 months and in children with height-for-age < − 1 z-score, demonstrates the importance of nutritional care to infants and strengthens the need for commitment of child care institutions in reducing this deficiency.