Anemia and Related Factors in Preschool Children in the Southern Rural Lao People's Democratic Republic
Tropical Medicine and Health
;
: 95-103, 2011.
Artigo
em Inglês
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-374024
ABSTRACT
Anemia is a severe public health problem in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). Consequently, a new control strategy to reduce the burden of anemia has been introduced for preschool children (aged 6–52 months). The objective of this study was to assess the current prevalence of anemia and related factors in preschool children in southern rural Lao PDR. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in six communities in Songkhone district, Savannakheth province, in February 2009. As a result, the prevalence of anemia was found to be 48.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 43.5–54.3), although most cases were mild. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that there was no protective effect of breastfeeding against anemia. The anemia prevalence was higher in 1) children aged 6–23 months (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.02–2.90) than in older children, 2) children in large families (6 or more members) (OR = 1.96, 95% CI, 1.17–3.29), and 3) children in three remote villages with relatively difficult access to markets (OR = 3.01, 95% CI, 1.25–7.47).<br />In Lao PDR, improvement of food practices and home-fortified food supplementation interventions are essential. High-risk groups should be targeted and a long-term health education program that aims to modify food habits implemented. Furthermore, in settings where iron deficiency is not the only cause of anemia, combining an iron supplement with other measures is necessary.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
WPRIM (Pacífico Ocidental)
Tipo de estudo:
Estudo observacional
/
Fatores de risco
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Tropical Medicine and Health
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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