[Anemias in preschool children: diagnosis, treatment and evaluation, Recife-PE, Brazil]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Anemia is a significant health concern in young children globally.
• Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is particularly prevalent in preschool-aged children in developing countries.
• Understanding anemia's prevalence and treatment effects is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnosis and treatment outcomes of anemia in preschool children.
• To identify factors associated with anemia prevalence in this age group.
• To contribute data for a national program combating iron deficiency anemia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 1,161 preschool children (6-71 months) in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
• Hemoglobin levels measured using Hainline method; anemia diagnosed using WHO criteria.
• Children with anemia treated with ferrous sulfate and mebendazole; outcomes analyzed based on age, nutritional status, and family income.

Main Results:

• Anemia prevalence was highest in children aged 2 years.
• Significant associations found between anemia and nutritional status (p<0.01) and family income (p<0.01).
• Post-treatment, 40% of anemic children normalized hemoglobin; mean levels increased significantly (9.11 to 10.3 g/dl, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Anemia is highly prevalent in young Brazilian children, linked to nutritional status and socioeconomic factors.
• Ferrous sulfate and mebendazole treatment effectively improved hemoglobin levels.
• Findings support the development of national strategies to combat childhood anemia.