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Factors associated with anemia in ecuadorian children from 1 to 4 years old

Abstract:

Introduction: Anemia is the condition that has caused the most attention and concern to national and international organizations, as well as to health professionals, affecting one of the most vulnerable groups such as children. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of anemia in the world is 24.8%, and an estimated 1620 million people have anemia. Objective: To identify the factors associated with anemia in children who attend the Child Development Center “Los Pitufos de el Valle” Cuenca – Ecuador. Materials and method: Quantitative, analytical case-control study, cross section with retrospective temporality, whose sample size was 52 cases and 52 controls, the study population were children of the Children’s Development Center “Los Pitufos”. The information was obtained through the elaboration of a data collection sheet, where a review of medical records was carried out, such as the value of hemoglobin in blood, vitamin supplements, weight and height; In terms of birth weight and gestational age, it was obtained from vaccination cards. Associations were sought through the ratio of mummies, χ2 and logistic regression. Results: 52 patients with anemia and 52 without anemia were included. Four factors associated with anemia were identified: Rural residence RM 3.03 (95% CI 1.36-6.77) Micronutrient deficit RM 5.23 (95% CI 1.07-25.54), low birth weight RM 8.33 (95% CI 1.77-39.12) and prematurity RM 5.95 (95% CI 1.77-39.12). Conclusions: Anemia in children was mainly associated with factors related to living in a rural area, micronutrient deficit, low birth weight and prematurity.