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Obesity in Preschool-Aged Children with Sickle Cell Anemia: Emerging Nutritional Challenge in a Resource Limited

Christopher Bismarck Eke1, Benedict Onyeka Edelu1, Anthony Nnaemeka Ikefuna1

  • 1a Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine , University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla , Enugu , Nigeria.

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|July 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is rising globally. This study found overweight and obesity are common in young children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), highlighting the need for caregiver education.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, particularly in urbanizing developing nations.
  • Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are not isolated from these environmental influences.
  • Understanding obesity prevalence in this vulnerable pediatric population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in young children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
  • To compare obesity rates between children with SCA and their healthy, age- and sex-matched controls.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 58 children with SCA (aged 1-5 years) and matched controls were recruited.
  • Nutritional status was assessed using WHO Anthro software based on BMI z-scores.
  • Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

  • Overweight and obesity were observed in 17.2% and 3.4% of children with SCA, respectively.
  • In contrast, 27.6% of controls were overweight and 22.4% were obese (p = 0.000).
  • Mean BMI was 15.38 ± 1.93 for SCA subjects and 17.10 ± 2.28 for controls.

Conclusions:

  • Overweight and obesity are increasingly prevalent in children with sickle cell anemia.
  • Preventive health education for caregivers of children with SCA is essential.
  • Early awareness and intervention can mitigate potential complications of obesity in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
obesitypreschool childrensickle cell anemia

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