Childhood anemia in Mexico: A public health problem at all socioeconomic levels



Document title: Childhood anemia in Mexico: A public health problem at all socioeconomic levels
Journal: Boletín médico del Hospital Infantil de México
Database: PERIÓDICA
System number: 000378883
ISSN: 1665-1146
Authors: 1
1
Institutions: 1Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Centro de Estudios Económicos y Sociales en Salud, México, Distrito Federal. México
Year:
Season: Mar-Abr
Volumen: 71
Number: 2
Pages: 95-102
Country: México
Language: Español
Document type: Estadística o encuesta
Approach: Analítico
English abstract In Mexico, prevalence of anemia in children <5 years of age (preschool) is high at all socioeconomic levels. We undertook this study to analyze the socioeconomic determinants of the prevalence of anemia in preschool children and to explore the reasons why the prevalence is high, even in wealthier households. Methods: We used the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) 2012 and calculated logistic regression models, considering as explanatory variables socioeconomic characteristics of children and mothers, among others. Models were estimated for all preschoolers and for each tercil of socioeconomic status. Results: The national prevalence of anemia in preschool children is 23.3%; in the lowest tertile it is 26.4%, whereas in the highest tertile it is 20.2%. Variables related to increased risk of anemia in the highest tertile are male children (OR: 1.24), those <2 years of age (OR: 2.31), stunting (OR: 2.01), and mother as the head of the household (OR: 2.06). Conclusions: Although anemia prevalence is higher at poorer socioeconomic levels, it remains high at all socioeconomic levels. Therefore, a general strategy is required to reduce the rate of childhood anemia rather than only the targeted efforts followed so far. Further research is needed
Disciplines: Medicina
Keyword: Hematología,
Pediatría,
Salud pública,
Anemia,
Preescolares,
Prevalencia,
Nivel socioeconómico
Keyword: Medicine,
Hematology,
Pediatrics,
Public health,
Anemia,
Preschool children,
Prevalence,
Socioeconomic level
Full text: Texto completo (Ver HTML)