Abstract
Objective
To assess the iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency prevalence and associated factors in children under one year.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with a sample of 93 children. Children with hemoglobin <11 g/dL were considered anemic. The cutoff point used for the classification of low levels of vitamin A was < 0.70 mMol/L and to characterize disability < 0.35 mmol/L. Statistical analyzes were carried out using Stata 10.0 software. Variables were presented in simple frequency and the association among the factors and deficiencies of iron and vitamin A was performed by the Pearson chi- square test. Mean hemoglobin and vitamin A were compared using the Student t test for parametric variables and Mann-Whitney test for nonparametric.
Results
The prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency was 29.03% and 19.10%, respectively. It was found also low vitamin A values in 90.32% of children. The presence of iron deficiency anemia was associated to low maternal age and education. Low values of vitamin Awere significant in non-white mothers. The prevalence of inadequate iron intake and vitamin A was 23.66% and 22.58%, respectively.
Conclusion
This study evidences the high prevalence of these diseases, highlighting the importance of adopting preventive measures.
infant feeding; anemia; vitamin A