Iron deficiency in Australian-born children of Arabic background in central Sydney

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Hematology
• Public Health

Background:

• Iron deficiency and anaemia are significant global health concerns in young children.
• Children of Arabic-speaking background in Australia may have unique risk factors for impaired iron status.
• Understanding the prevalence and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of iron depletion, iron deficiency without anaemia, and iron-deficiency anaemia.
• To identify risk factors associated with iron depletion in Australian-born children of Arabic-speaking background aged 12-36 months.

Main Methods:

• A community-based survey was conducted in Central Sydney.
• Participants included 403 children (62.9% response rate) born to Arabic-speaking mothers.
• Measurements included full blood count, plasma ferritin, and assessment of risk factors.

Main Results:

• 23% of children were iron depleted, 9% had iron deficiency without anaemia, and 6% had iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Significant risk factors for iron depletion included <37 weeks' gestation (OR 5.88), mother resident <8.5 years in Australia (OR 1.96), and >600 mL daily cow's milk intake (OR 3.89).

Conclusions:

• Impaired iron status is prevalent in this pediatric population.
• Targeted screening for iron deficiency is recommended for children of Arabic background.
• Public health initiatives should address identified risk factors like excessive cow's milk consumption and support for migrant families.