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A Noninvasive Approach to Assess the Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Anemia Risk in Malaysian Children
Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin1, Ho Bee Kiau2, Suriati Hasim3
1Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, 59100, Malaysia, 60 79492065, 60 79494704.
Insights
A study found 30% of Malaysian children aged 6 months to 3 years are at risk of anemia. Younger children and those with lower weight-for-age scores showed higher risk, highlighting the need for targeted screening and community awareness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Anemia poses a significant public health challenge in children, impacting their well-being.
- Noninvasive screening methods are crucial for early anemia detection and treatment.
- Limited research exists on the application of noninvasive screening for anemia in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of anemia risk in Malaysian children aged 6-36 months.
- To identify factors associated with anemia risk using noninvasive hemoglobin assessment.
- To inform anemia reduction strategies in Malaysia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2022 involving 1201 Malaysian children (6-36 months).
- Noninvasive hemoglobin levels were measured using the Masimo Rad-67 device; anemia risk was defined as <12 g/dL.
- Statistical analyses included chi-squared and multiple logistic regression using R-Studio.
Main Results:
- 30% of participants were identified as being at risk of anemia.
- Children aged 6-12 months had significantly higher odds of anemia risk (AOR=1.73).
- Lower weight-for-age Z scores were associated with reduced odds of anemia risk (AOR=0.88).
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of Malaysian children are at risk of anemia, necessitating intervention.
- Community education on nutrition and targeted screening are vital for early detection and treatment.
- Anemia reduction strategies must consider age (6-12 months) and weight-for-age as key risk indicators.
Background:
Anemia remains a significant public health concern with adverse effects among children. Noninvasive screening assessments enable the early detection and prompt treatment of anemia. However, there is limited literature on the use of such screening assessments.
Objective:
The study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with being at risk of anemia among Malaysian children aged ≥6 months to ≤36 months by using a noninvasive hemoglobin assessment.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study (from July to December 2022) of outpatient Malaysian children, aged ≥6 months to ≤36 months, who were selected from five maternal-and-child health clinics by convenience sampling. At risk of anemia was defined as a total hemoglobin level of <12 g/dL, measured using the Masimo Rad-67, a noninvasive screening device for total hemoglobin levels. The χ2 and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the prevalence and factors associated with being at risk of anemia, using R-Studio (version 4.0.0).
Results:
The study included 1201 participants, of whom 30% (95% CI 28-33) were at risk of anemia. Children aged 6-12 months (210/364, 57.7%, P<.001), those of Asian Malay race (238/364, 65.4%, P<.05), those residing in the Klang district (123/371, 33.9%, P<.05), those born via a normal vaginal delivery (275/364, 75.5%, P<.05), those without a family history of thalassemia (284/364, 78.0%, P<.05), and those with lower weight-for-age Z scores (P<.05) were associated with being at risk of anemia. Children aged 6-12 months (adjusted odds ratio=1.73; 95% CI 1.34-2.24) had higher odds of being at risk of anemia compared to children aged >12-36 months. However, weight-for-age (adjusted odds ratio=0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.98) was associated with lower odds of being at risk of anemia.
Conclusions:
The current study revealed a substantial prevalence of Malaysian children being at risk of developing anemia. The study results therefore imply a need for more community education and awareness on anemia, including nutrition education, as well as targeted community screening to enable the early detection and prompt treatment of anemia cases. Anemia reduction strategies in Malaysia should consider the highlighted factors indicative of higher risk of anemia.
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