OBJECTIVES: to evaluate factors determining hemoglobin levels in 12 months old infants living in four small towns located in the South of Pernambuco. METHODS: a cross-sectional study conducted in a sub-sample of 245 infants belonging to a cohort of 652 children. Data collection was performed from January to August 1999. RESULTS: the prevalence of anemia was 73.2% and mean hemoglobin level 9.8 g/dL (SD = 1.6 g/dL). Variance analysis indicated a significant association between hemoglobin levels and maternal education, absence of a television set at home, birth weight, duration of exclusive breast-feeding, occurrence of diarrhea and nutritional indicators (weight-for-age and length-for-age). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that socio-economic conditions, birth weight, exclusive breast feeding duration and occurrence of diarrhea had a significant impact on hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS: results confirm that anemia is a severe public health problem, especially during childhood, with multiple factors that contribute to the condition. There is a need to identify the prevailing ones so they can be addressed by programs targeting child health.
Anaemia iron-deficiencey; Hemoglobins; Infant; Risk factors
