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Obesity--does it occur in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia

Samuel Olufemi Akodu1, Ijeoma Nnenna Diaku-Akinwumi, Olisamedua Fidelis Njokanma

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. femiakodu@hotmail.com

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|May 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is present in children with sickle cell anemia in Lagos, Nigeria, affecting 2.5% of those with hemoglobin genotype SS. Public health initiatives should include these vulnerable children in obesity prevention programs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) often experience growth deficits, making obesity seem unlikely.
  • Understanding the prevalence of obesity in SCA populations is crucial for comprehensive health management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of obesity among children with sickle cell anemia in Lagos, Nigeria.
  • To compare obesity rates between children with SCA and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • A random sample of children aged 2-15 years with SCA and healthy controls (hemoglobin genotype AA) were recruited.
  • Anthropometric measurements (weight, height) were taken to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI).
  • Obesity was defined using World Health Organization (WHO) standard criteria for BMI and weight-for-height-for-age.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of obesity was 2.5% in children with SCA (hemoglobin genotype SS) and 3.8% in controls (hemoglobin genotype AA).
  • Obesity was most prevalent in younger children with SCA and adolescents among controls.
  • All obese children with SCA were from upper socioeconomic strata.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity is a reality among children with sickle cell anemia in Lagos.
  • Public health strategies for obesity prevention and control must actively include children with SCA.

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