OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for anemia in mothers and their children under five years of age in the state of Pernambuco (Brazil) in three geographic areas: Metropolitan Recife (MR); Urban Interior (UI) and Rural Interior (IR). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of 807 adult women and 827 children under five years of age selected by lots in three stages (municipal, census sectors and families), which provided 523 biological mother/child pairings. Hemoglobin was determined by a portable hemoglobinometer (HemoCue). Risk factors (biological, socioeconomic, environmental and access to health services) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 21.8% of the women and 46.9% of the children had anemia, with a similar prevalence in the mother/child pairings. The lowest prevalence was found in the UI, while the highest rates occurred in the RI. There was an association between the situation of the mothers and children (PR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.21-1.74). Four risk factors were common to both mothers and children: type of residence, garbage collection, antenatal care, and distance from healthcare services. Children incorporated another seven factors: mother's age, child's age, geographic area, mother's low schooling, low family income, family size, and lack of sewage. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia is different according to geographic space, child's age and exposure of mothers and children to biological, socioeconomic and environmental factors.
Anemia; Prevalence; Mothers and Children; Pernambuco - Brazil
