Volume 28, Issue S1 LB456
Nutrition
Free Access

Determinants of anemia among school-aged children in Colombia and the United States (LB456)

Sana Syed

Sana Syed

School of Medicine Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States

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O. Yaw Addo

O. Yaw Addo

Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States

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Thomas Ziegler

Thomas Ziegler

School of Medicine Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States

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Parminder Suchdev

Parminder Suchdev

School of Medicine Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States

Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States

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Abstract

Anemia globally affects a quarter of all school-aged children (SAC) and is frequently ascribed to iron deficiency (ID). Other nutritional, demographic and socio-economic factors are often unmeasured. We obtained data from two national cross-sectional surveys – 2010 Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición Situación Colombia and the 2003 to 2006 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We analyzed data for 10570 Colombian and 3605 US children aged 5 to 15 years. Associations were studied using survey regression methods with adjustment for inflammation, potential confounders and complex survey design effects. Colombian data showed 51% males, 85% non-minority status, 13% stunted, 4% wasted, 4% overweight, 0.5% obese. Prevalence of anemia was 1.6%; ID was 9.2%. US data showed 52% males, 59% non-Hispanic White, 2% stunted, 2% wasted, 19% overweight, 5% obese. Prevalence of anemia was 0.8%; ID 12%. In Colombia, anemia was associated with serum ferritin levels (OR 0.98, 95%CI=0.96–1.00, p=0.056) and socio-demographic factors (age p<0.001, gender p=0.04, ethnicity p=0.02). In the US, anemia was associated with soluble transferrin receptor levels (OR 2.3, 95%CI=1.5–3.7, p<0.001), serum retinol levels (OR 0.06, 95%CI 0.01–0.28, p<0.001) and ethnicity (p<0.001). Growth was not associated with anemia in either country. Prevalence of anemia among SAC in both countries was extremely low. In general, ID was associated with anemia with inconsistent associations with socioeconomic factors between countries which need to be explored further. Additional countries (Malawi and Pakistan) are planned for future analyses.

Grant Funding Source: Supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CDC, GAIN, NICHD, NIH ACTSI.