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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Iron deficiency anemia in Alaska native children-Hooper Bay, Alaska, 1999
Insights
Anemia prevalence in Hooper Bay, Alaska, was found to be over twice the U.S. average. This study investigated contributing factors to high rates of anemia in young children in the region.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Health providers in Hooper Bay, Alaska, reported high anemia rates (31%) in children aged 2-4 years in 1998, significantly exceeding the U.S. average of 8%.
- Concerns arose that the region's fishing-dependent economy and a poor 1998 salmon run could worsen anemia due to economic hardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of anemia in Hooper Bay children aged 1-5.9 years.
- To identify factors contributing to anemia in this population.
- To recommend potential interventions for anemia.
Main Methods:
- A health assessment was conducted in January 1999 by the CDC and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.
- The study focused on children aged 1-5.9 years in Hooper Bay, Alaska.
Main Results:
- The estimated prevalence of anemia among Hooper Bay children was more than double the U.S. national average.
- Hemoglobin levels were analyzed to determine anemia prevalence and contributing factors.
Conclusions:
- Hooper Bay exhibits a significantly higher prevalence of anemia in young children compared to national estimates.
- Further investigation and targeted interventions are necessary to address the anemia problem in this community.
Abstract:
During fall 1998, health-care providers in Hooper Bay, Alaska, reported that hemoglobin data from a local Head Start program indicated that 14 (31%) of the 45 children aged 2-4 years had anemia (hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL), with an overall mean hemoglobin of 11.2 g/dL (standard deviation [SD] ± 1.3 g/dL) (CDC, unpublished data, 1996-1997). This proportion was substantially higher than the estimated prevalence in the United States of 8% among children aged 1-5 year (1). Because the region's economy is heavily dependent on fishing and the region experienced a poor salmon run in 1998, the Alaska State Health Department was concerned that economic hardships could exacerbate the anemia problem. In January 1999, CDC and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation assessed the prevalence of anemia among Hooper Bay children aged 1-5.9 years to determine factors contributing to anemia in this population, and to identify recommendations for potential interventions. The findings indicated that the estimated prevalence of anemia among these children was more than twice the U.S. average.
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