Factors associated with anemia in refugee children

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 31, 2026

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
05:35

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

Published on: January 19, 2024

K Hassan1, K M Sullivan, R Yip

  • 1Adolescent Health, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

The Journal of Nutrition
|November 14, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Childhood anemia is prevalent in Palestinian refugee camps, affecting 67% of children under three. Factors like poor socioeconomic status, lack of breastfeeding, and recent illnesses contribute to this widespread anemia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Anemia is a significant global health issue, particularly affecting young children.
  • Palestinian refugee populations face unique challenges impacting child health and nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of anemia in young children (6-35 months) residing in Palestinian refugee camps.
  • To identify factors associated with anemia in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A nutrition survey was conducted in 1990 across Palestinian refugee camps in Syria, Jordan, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with anemia, considering age groups and geographical location.

Main Results:

  • Overall anemia prevalence was 67%, with significant regional variations (54% in West Bank to 75% in Syria).
  • Key associated factors included living in Syria, Lebanon, or Gaza; never being breast-fed; male sex; maternal illiteracy; recent fever or diarrhea; and stunting.
  • Interactions between illness and stunting were observed, indicating heightened anemia risk in stunted children experiencing recent illnesses.

Conclusions:

  • Early childhood anemia is strongly linked to indicators of poor socioeconomic status and recent infectious illnesses within Palestinian refugee camps.
  • Interventions should address nutritional status, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare access to combat anemia in these communities.

Keywords:
Age FactorsAnemiaArab CountriesBiologyBreast FeedingChildDeficiency DiseasesDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiarrheaDiarrhea, InfantileDiseasesEconomic FactorsEducational StatusHealthInfant NutritionNutritionNutrition DisordersPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsResearch MethodologyResearch ReportRisk FactorsSampling StudiesSocioeconomic FactorsSocioeconomic StatusStudiesSurveysYouth

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis01:24

Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
Factors Affecting Respiration01:24

Factors Affecting Respiration

Respiration is a crucial physiological function involving exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between an organism and its environment. Various factors can impact this essential process:
Disorders of Erythrocytes01:27

Disorders of Erythrocytes

Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors01:28

Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors01:29

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors

Protein-drug binding, a pivotal aspect of pharmacokinetics, is subject to considerable variability influenced by an array of patient-related factors. The intricate interplay of age, individual differences, and pathological conditions significantly impact the binding dynamics and subsequent pharmacological effects.
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...