RESUMO
A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out in 3 areas of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, in 2002, to determine the factors associated with high methaemoglobin (Met-Hb) levels in infants and the relationship with nitrate concentration in drinking water wells. Drinking water sources were likely to be the main factor for high levels of Met-Hb. Out of 338 infants attending for vaccination, having supplemental feeding, use of boiled water and age 3-6 months were associated with high Met-Hb levels. The highest mean Met-Hb level was in Khan-Younis, where the highest mean nitrate concentration was recorded in drinking water. The results emphasize the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infants < 6 months old, and the choice of a suitable source of water for these infants.
Assuntos
Metemoglobinemia/induzido quimicamente , Metemoglobinemia/epidemiologia , Nitratos/efeitos adversos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/efeitos adversos , Abastecimento de Água , Distribuição por Idade , Anemia/induzido quimicamente , Anemia/epidemiologia , Alimentação com Mamadeira/efeitos adversos , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Estudos Transversais , Emprego/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Transtornos da Nutrição do Lactente/induzido quimicamente , Transtornos da Nutrição do Lactente/epidemiologia , Masculino , Metemoglobinemia/sangue , Oriente Médio/epidemiologia , Mães/educação , Mães/estatística & dados numéricos , Nitratos/análise , Inquéritos Nutricionais , Estado Nutricional , Vigilância da População , Características de Residência , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e Questionários , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Purificação da Água/métodos , Purificação da Água/estatística & dados numéricos , Abastecimento de Água/análiseRESUMO
A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out in 3 areas of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, in 2002, to determine the factors associated with high methaemoglobin [Met-Hb] levels in infants and the relationship with nitrate concentration in drinking water wells. Drinking water sources were likely to be the main factor for high levels of Met-Hb. Out of 338 infants attending for vaccination, having supplemental feeding, use of boiled water and age 3-6 months were associated with high Met-Hb levels. The highest mean Met-Hb level was in Khan-Younis, where the highest mean nitrate concentration was recorded in drinking water. The results emphasize the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infants < 6 months old, and the choice of a suitable source of water for these infants
