Factors associated with hemoglobin concentrations in pre-school children in Western Kenya: Cross-sectional studies

Desai, Meghna R., Terlouw, Anja ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5327-8995, Kwena, Arthur M., Phillips-Howard, P. A., Kariuki, Simon K., Wannemuehler, Kathleen A., Odhacha, Amos, Hawley, William A., Shi, Ya Ping, Nahlen, Bernard L. and terKuile, Feiko ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3663-5617 (2005) 'Factors associated with hemoglobin concentrations in pre-school children in Western Kenya: Cross-sectional studies'. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Vol 72, Issue 1, pp. 47-59.

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, the etiology of anemia in early childhood is complex and multifactorial. Three community-based cross-sectional surveys were used to determine the prevalence and severity of anemia. Regression methods were used to compare mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations across covariate levels to identify children at risk of low Hb levels in an area with intense malaria transmission. In a random sample of 2,774 children < 36 months old, the prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11g/dL) was 76.1% and 71%, respectively, in villages without and with insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs); severe-moderate anemia (Hb < 7 g/dL) was observed in 11% (non-ITN) and 8.3% (ITN). The prevalence of anemia, high-density malaria parasitemia (21.7%), microcytosis (34.9%), underweight (21.9%), and diarrhea (54.8%) increased rapidly from age three months onwards and remained high until 35 months of age. Multivariate analyses showed that family size, history of fever, pale body, general body weakness, diarrhea, soil-eating, concurrent fever, stunting, and malaria parasitemia were associated with mean Hb levels. Prevention of severe anemia should start early in infancy and include a combination of micronutrient supplementation, malaria control, and possibly interventions against diarrheal illness.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WH Hemic and Lymphatic Systems > Hematologic Diseases. Immunologic Factors. Blood Banks > WH 155 Anemia WS Pediatrics > Diseases of Children and Adolescents > By System > WS 300 Hemic and lymphatic system WS Pediatrics > By Age Groups > WS 440 Preschool child
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.2005.72.47
Depositing User:	Ms Julia Martin
Date Deposited:	03 Jan 2012 15:38
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2024 09:45
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/1831

Statistics

View details

Actions (login required)

Edit Item