This study aimed to assess factors associated with anemia in schoolchildren. All subjects (N = 1,013; age 7-14 yrs.) were students enrolled in the public school system in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. Blood tests were done to determine hemoglobin levels, anthropometric data were collected, and a 24-hour food recall was performed. The study also gathered socioeconomic, environmental, and household data, as well as information on care by the mother. Anemia was detected in 24.5% of subjects, with mean hemoglobin of 12.68g/dL (range 7.7g-16.8g/dL). Anemia was significantly associated with inadequate intake of bioavailable iron (OR50-99.9% adequacy = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.07-2.29; p = 0.020 and OR< 50% adequacy = 1.68; 95%CI: 1.10-2.56; p = 0.016) and family income below 1 minimum wage (OR = 1, 42; 95%CI: 1.03-1.96; p = 0.035). Anemia prevalence in children and adolescents was high, especially among the poorest subjects and those with low intake of bioavailable iron.
Anemia; Food Consumption; Child; Adolescent
