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Prevalence of anaemia in Brazilian children in different epidemiological scenarios: an updated meta-analysis

Haroldo S Ferreira1, Regina Coeli S Vieira2, Aline Roberta S Livramento1

  • 1Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, State of Alagoas, CEP: 57072-970, Brazil.

Public Health Nutrition
|May 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Anaemia remains a significant public health issue in Brazilian children, particularly those facing social inequities. While prevalence has decreased, targeted interventions are crucial, with childcare access showing a protective effect.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Anaemia is a critical health concern affecting children globally.
  • Previous estimates of anaemia prevalence in Brazilian children require updating.
  • Understanding prevalence across different socioeconomic and care settings is essential for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated estimation of anaemia prevalence in Brazilian children.
  • To analyze anaemia prevalence across four distinct epidemiological scenarios: childcare centers, health services, populations with social inequities, and population-based studies.
  • To compare current prevalence rates with historical data and assess trends.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2007 and May 2019.
  • Literature search conducted in PubMed and LILACS databases using keywords: anaemia, child, and Brazil.
  • Data from 37 articles (17,741 children) were categorized and analyzed using a random-effects model, calculating prevalence ratios (PR) against a national reference.

Main Results:

  • Overall anaemia prevalence varied by scenario: Childcare (24.8%), Services (39.9%), Inequities (51.6%), and Populations (35.8%).
  • Prevalence was higher than the national reference in all scenarios except Childcare, with Inequities showing the highest rates.
  • A significant reduction in anaemia prevalence was observed across all scenarios compared to a previous meta-analysis, ranging from -10.7% to -52.3%.

Conclusions:

  • Despite reductions, anaemia remains a substantial public health problem in Brazilian children, especially in populations facing social inequities.
  • Childcare settings appear to mitigate the risk of anaemia.
  • Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are necessary to address anaemia in vulnerable child populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnaemiaBrazilChildHealth status disparitiesInfantPreschoolSocial determinants of health

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