Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2011

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Health and Nutritional Sciences

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) and anemia are a global health issue. In Honduras, the prevalence of anemia during infancy and childhood is high due to an inadequate supply of iron and other micronutrients, age differences, maternal anemia, malnutrition, and socioeconomic status.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia, ID, and malnutrition in Honduran infants ages 6 to 36 mo; the relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and anemia, ID and malnutrition; and risk factors associated within anemia, ID, and malnutrition.

Design: A randomized cross-sectional survey was completed in 6 to 36 mo old children from six rural regions in Honduras. Sociodemographic, dietary intake, hemoglobin (Hb), transferrin receptor (TfR), height, and weight were obtained.

Results: The overall prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dL) was 39.8 % using CDC altitude adjusted Hb levels, with 22.8% of these cases mild, 15.3% moderate, and 1.6% severe. The prevalences of ID and ID anemia (IDA) were 30.7% and 14.0 %, respectively. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards, the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 55.7%, 23.0%, and 2.3%, respectively. After adjustment for gender, age, family size, altitude, and region, predictors of anemia included children ages 6 to 12 mo (P < 0.001 ), 12 to 18 mo (P< 0.0 I), and 18 to 24 mo (P < 0.05); infants exclusively breastfed (EBF) for> 6 mo (P < 0.05); living at altitude level 6000 to 6999 (P < 0.05); maternal anemia (P < 0.01); and maternal age between 21 to 30 years old (P < 0.05). Predictors of ID were children ages 6 to 12 mo (P < 0.0 I) and 12 to 18 mo (P < 0.00 I) and living in a rural region, Santiago de Puringla (P < 0.05). The only predictor of IDA was children a~es 6 to 12 mo (P < 0.01). Predictors of stunting :were male gender (P < 0.0 I); children ages 12 to 18 mo (P < 0.05), 18 to 24 mo (P < 0.00 I), and 24 to 30 mo (P < 0.01 ); and infants EBF for > 6 mo (P < 0.05). Predicators of underweight were male gender (P < 0.05) and living in a rural region, Santa Ana (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia, ID, stunting, and underweight was high among Honduran children ages 6 to 36 mo living at high altitude levels. The results of this study will help the MoH gain insight on the prevalence of anemia, ID, stunting, and underweight that impair child health and development and will promote targeting intervention strategies to improve the health and nutritional status of Honduran children.

Key Words: Honduras, infants, anemia, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, maternal anemia, exclusive breastfeeding, stunting, underweight, hemoglobin, transferrin receptor. Amatya

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Anemia in children -- Honduras

Iron deficiency anemia in children -- Honduras

Malnutrition in infants -- Honduras

Infants -- Nutrition -- Honduras

Children -- Nutrition -- Honduras

Breastfeeding -- Honduras

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

88

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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