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[Prevalence and demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in Colombian children, 2010]
Robinson Ramírez-Vélez1, Javier Matínez-Torres2, José Francisco Meneses-Echavez1
1Facultad de Cultura Física, Deporte y Recreación, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá, Colombia.
Insights
In Colombia, 10.6% of children under five have ferritin deficiency, a condition linked to age, indigenous ethnicity, and specific regions. Targeted nutritional and educational interventions are recommended to address this public health issue.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Context:
- Ferritin deficiency is a significant global health concern, particularly in developing nations.
- Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is crucial for effective public health strategies.
- Colombia's National Survey on the Nutritional Situation (ENSIN) provides valuable data for such analyses.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of ferritin deficiency in Colombian children aged 12-59 months.
- To identify socio-demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in this population.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional analysis of 3542 children revealed a ferritin deficiency prevalence of 10.6%.
- Key risk factors included younger age groups (12-23 and 24-35 months), indigenous ethnicity, and residence in the Atlantic or Pacific regions.
- Average ferritin levels were 32.1 g/L, with deficiency defined as <12 ug/L.
Impact:
- The findings highlight significant disparities and risk factors for ferritin deficiency in Colombian children.
- Results underscore the need for comprehensive interventions combining nutritional support and education.
- This research can inform targeted public health policies to combat iron deficiency anemia.
Objectives:
To determine prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in a representative sample of children in Colombia.
Materials And Methods:
Cross sectional secondary data analysis of the National Survey on the Nutritional Situation (ENSIN) conducted in 2010 in Colombia in 3542 children between 12 and 59 months. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by chemiluminescence and values <12 ug/L were considered as deficit ferritin. Sociodemographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical region) were collected using a structured questionnaire. All analyses were performed taking into account the complex nature of the sample.
Results:
It was found that the average value of ferritin was 32.1 g/L, (CI 95%: 30.7-35.6).10.6% (CI 95%: 9.3-12.0) of the children had ferritin levels less than 12.0 ug/L. The multivariate logistic regression shows that children aged 12 to 23 (OR 5.1, CI 95%: 3.3-8.0) and 24 to 35 months (OR 2.4, CI 95%: 1.5-3.7), belonging to the indigenous ethnic group (OR 1.8, CI 95%: 1.1-2.8), living in the Atlantic region (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1 -3.6), or Pacific area (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1-3.6) were associated with a higher probability of ferritin deficiencies.
Conclusions:
A significant prevalence of anemia caused by ferritin deficiency was found as well as various sociodemographic factors that contributed to the likelihood of increasing this problem. Comprehensive interventions are recommended in which nutritional and educational components are involved.
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