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[The status of hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit in Angola children]
W Eggert1, S Eggert, F de Ceita
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderheilkunde, Medizinischen Fakultät (Charité), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Insights
Anemia is prevalent in Angolan children, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with poorer living conditions and impacted physical development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Public Health
Context:
- Assessed hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) in 622 Angolan children (3 months–13 years).
- Compared children from low socioeconomic status (Group I, n=530) with those from better living conditions (Group II, n=92).
- Investigated the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in a diverse pediatric population.
Purpose:
- To determine hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in Angolan children.
- To identify the prevalence of anemia based on Hb and Ht measurements.
- To explore the relationship between socioeconomic status, age, sex, and anemia.
Summary:
- 38.9% of children had Hb below 6.8 mmol/L, with 218 from Group I and 18 from Group II.
- Severe anemia (Hb < 4.3 mmol/L) affected 3% of all children.
- Anemia prevalence was higher in Group I children compared to Group II, with a clear link to physical development.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant public health issue of childhood anemia in Angola.
- Underscores the strong correlation between socioeconomic factors and anemia.
- Provides crucial data for targeted interventions to improve child health and development in the region.
Abstract:
Hemoglobin-concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) were determined in 622 Angolean children between ages of 3 months and 13 years. The children were divided into two groups: group I (n = 530) of low social and economic state, group II (n = 92) children enjoyed good living conditions. 38.9% of all children had a Hb below 6.8mmol/l. 218 of which were part of group I, only 18 were out of group II. An extensive anemia (less than Hb 4.3mmol/l) existed in only 3% of all children. 51.7% of children were below 3 years. Between age groups of 3 months to over 10 years there was a continual rise in Hb of 17.6 +/- 6.6% (boys) and 9.5 +/- 3% (girls). Using the Ht values the percentage of anemic children was only 16.4%. It existed a relationship, especially, clearly observed in group I, between physical development and aemia frequency. Children of group I were more anemic than children of group II.