Prevalence and some risk factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among preschool children in Abu Dhabi

The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia [IDA] and to study some associated risk factors in a group of infants and young children in Abu Dhabi Emirate. The subjects were healthy preschool children [6months-<5 years] selected from three Maternal and Child Health Centers [MCH] in Abu Dhabi during 6 months [1st April-30th September 1998]. Anaemia was defined as a haemoglobin level less than 11gm/dl and it was estimated by Ulbricht sphere reflectance. Dietary intake was assessed using food frequency method for the three months prior to the study. Univariation analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze data and to identify inadequate variables associated with anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia among the studied children was 34.7%, which was greater among boys [53.7%] than girls [46.3%]. University graduated fathers of the sample amounted to 62.5% compared to 45% of mothers. Daily consumption of iron rich food and citrus food were more prevalent among non-anaemic children. 'Junk foods' and foods known to be inhibitor for iron absorption were observed to be more consumed daily among anaemic children. Independent variables as age groups <6 months and 18-23 months. Arab nationality and mother's primary level of education or less were correlated significantly with anaemia as proved by logistic regression analysis. IDA is quite common among preschool children. Inadequate dietary consumption of iron rich food seems to be an important risk factor, in addition to age group, nationality, and mother's education associated with this problem. Nutrition education on sound dietary habits disseminated through various mass media should be emphasized

Environmental survey and the occurrence of some helminthic parasites in Abis 7 and Abis 8, Alexandria

The exposure event to parasites is related to the persons' behavior and household environment, which are further influenced by the cultural and economic circumstances of the community, in Egypt, human fascioliasis has been considered as an important public health problem and recently, several cases have been reported from Alexandria and Abis villages. The present work aimed at studying the occurrence of helminthic parasites in Abis 7 and Abis 8, Alexandria and their possible association with the personal, socioeconomic, and environmental variables in the corresponding villages. This work was conducted in Abis 7 and Abis 8 villages, which are located 15 Kilometers south east of Alexandria city, in the period from December 1994 to March 1995. The study included 4423 subjects from 506 houses that were selected as a fifty percent systematic random sample. All sample members were subjected to respond to a pre-designed questionnaire sheet which included age; sex; and occupation of the residents of the household, and data concerning drinking water supply; water closets; sewage disposal; animals; and irrigation. All subjects were asked to give a stool sample. Two Kato slides were prepared for every sample and examined by two observers. Drinking water supply, sanitary sewage disposal, and proper disposal of animal wastes are still deficient in some houses of Abis 7 and Abis 8 villages. Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Fasciola species were the major helminthic parasites encountered in Abis 7 and Abis 8, Alexandria. They were found to affect 24.2%, 11.9%, and 5.7% of subjects in Abis 7 and 37.8%, 6.2%, and 10.4% of persons in Abis 8, respectively. In Abis 7, 5.3% of subjects using canals for irrigation were positive whereas none of persons using drains were positive and it was found to be statistically significant. In Abis 8, an apparent difference was observed. Drains are usually polluted by agricultural effluents with pesticides residues and thus affecting the snail intermediate host of Fasciola