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Mwakishalua J, Karanja S, Lihana R, Okoyo C, Stoffel N, Zimmermann M. Prevalence and predictors of anemia among six-week-old infants in Kwale County, Kenya: A cross-sectional study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003062. [PMID: 38551905 PMCID: PMC10980238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Anemia is a significant public health problem among children worldwide. The etiology of anemia is multifactorial but iron deficiency (ID) is the most common cause of anemia in low- and middle-income countries. ID and anemia in infancy can impair growth and cognitive development. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of anemia among six-week-old infants in Kwale County, Kenya. This cross-sectional study included 424 mother-infant pairs. Structured questionnaires were administered to the mothers to obtain information on socio-demographic variables, maternal characteristics and birth information. Anthropometric data was collected for each child. A heel prick was done to measure hemoglobin and zinc protoporphyrin concentration levels. Chi-square test, bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were done to determine factors associated with anemia. The prevalence of ID, anemia and IDA was 60.4% (95%CI: 55.9-65.2), 21.0% (95%CI: 17.5-25.2) and 15.8% (95%CI: 12.7-19.7) respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that the risk of anemia was significantly higher among male infants (odds ratio (OR) = 2.20 (95%CI: 1.33-3.63), p = 0.002), iron deficient infants (OR = 2.35 (95%CI: 1.39-3.99), p = 0.001) and infants from Msambweni Sub-County (OR = 2.80 (95%CI: 1.40-4.62), p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that odds of anemia were significantly higher in infants born to mothers who did not use iron supplements during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 74.01 (95%CI: 2.45-2238.21), p = 0.013 and significantly lower in infants born to mothers with parity ≥ 4 (aOR = 0.05 ((95%CI: 0.00-0.77), p = 0.024). In six-week-old infants in rural Kenya, anemia prevalence was 21.0% with ID accounting for 75.3% of anemia cases. Given the physical and cognitive impairments associated with ID and anemia in early infancy, it may be prudent to re-evaluate the current Kenyan pediatric protocols to include anemia screening and potential treatment of infants less than 6-months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Mwakishalua
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Simon Karanja
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Raphael Lihana
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Collins Okoyo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Informatics, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nicole Stoffel
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Zimmermann
- Medical Research Council Translational Immune Discovery Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Ayling K, Li R, Muhardi L, Melse-Boonstra A, Sun Y, Chen W, Kudla U. Systematic Literature Review of the Nutrient Status, Intake, and Diet Quality of Chinese Children across Different Age Groups. Nutrients 2023; 15:1536. [PMID: 36986271 PMCID: PMC10057142 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of comprehensive reports on nutrient deficiencies and dietary intake among various age groups of children in China. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the nutrient status, intake, and diet adequacy of Chinese children (0-18 years old). PubMed and Scopus were searched for literature published between January 2010 and July 2022. A systematic review approach with a quality assessment was performed to analyze 2986 identified articles in English and Chinese. Eighty-three articles were included in the analysis. In younger children, anemia and iron and Vitamin A deficiencies remain severe public health problems, despite high Vitamin A and adequate iron intake. In older children, a high prevalence of selenium; Vitamin A and D deficiencies; and inadequate intakes of Vitamins A, D, B, C, selenium, and calcium were reported. Intakes of dairy, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables were below recommended levels. High intakes of iodine, total and saturated fat, and sodium and low dietary diversity scores were also reported. As nutritional concerns vary with age and region, future nutrition interventions should be tailored accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Ayling
- Friesland Campina, 3818 LA Amersfoort, The Netherlands;
| | - Rongrong Li
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Beijing 100730, China
| | | | - Alida Melse-Boonstra
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, 6703 HE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ye Sun
- Friesland Campina Development Centre AMEA, Singapore 118261, Singapore
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Beijing 100730, China
| | - Urszula Kudla
- Friesland Campina, 3818 LA Amersfoort, The Netherlands;
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Estimating the changing disease burden attributable to iron deficiency in South Africa, 2000, 2006 and 2012. S Afr Med J 2022; 112:684-692. [DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i8b.16485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Worldwide, iron deficiency, and consequent iron-deficiency anaemia, remains the most common nutritional disorder. Iron-deficiency anaemia mostly affects young children and women of reproductive age, especially in Asia and Africa. Iron deficiency may contribute to disability directly or indirectly as a risk factor for other causes of death, and may rarely contribute to death.Objectives. To estimate the changing burden of disease attributable to iron deficiency in males and females (all ages) for the years 2000, 2006 and 2012 in South Africa (SA).Methods. The comparative risk assessment methodology developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Studies was used to estimate the burden attributable to iron deficiency in SA for the years 2000, 2006 and 2012. We attributed 100% of the estimated iron-deficiency anaemia burden across all age groups by sex to iron deficiency. For maternal conditions, the attributable burden to iron deficiency was calculated using the counterfactual method and applied to all women of reproductive age. The population attributable fraction calculated for these selected health outcomes was then applied to local burden estimates from the Second SA National Burden of Disease Study (SANBD2). Age-standardised rates were calculated using WHO world standard population weights and SA mid-year population estimates.Results. There was a slight decrease in the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia in women of reproductive age from ~11.9% in 2000 to 10.0% in 2012, although the prevalence of anaemia fluctuated over time (25.5% - 33.2%), with a peak in 2006. There has been a gradual decline in the number of deaths from maternal conditions attributable to iron deficiency in SA between 2000 (351 deaths (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 248 - 436)) and 2012 (307 deaths (95% UI 118 - 470)), with a peak in 2006 (452 deaths (95% UI 301 - 589)). Furthermore, our analysis showed a 26% decrease between 2000 and 2012 in the age-standardised burden rates from maternal conditions (truncated to 15 - 49 years) attributable to iron deficiency. Between 2000 and 2012, the age-standardised disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate from iron-deficiency anaemia attributable to iron deficiency markedly decreased by 33% in males, and increased by 3% in females of all ages. Approximately 1.1 - 1.4% of all DALYs in SA from 2000 to 2012 were attributable to iron deficiency.Conclusion. Iron-deficiency anaemia prevalence can be markedly reduced if iron deficiency is eliminated. Hence it is essential to encourage, reappraise and strengthen the measures that have been put in place to address iron deficiency, especially in women of reproductive age and children.
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Du Y, Durstenfeld A, Dill SE, Wang Q, Zhou H, Xue H, Kache S, Medina A, Rozelle S. Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factors among Infants under Six Months in Rural China. Public Health Nutr 2022; 26:1-27. [PMID: 35920295 PMCID: PMC9989709 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine haemoglobin level and anaemia status among infants under six months of age in rural China. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey collected data among infants under six months and their primary caregivers in Sichuan, China. Anaemia was defined using both the WHO and China Pediatrics Association thresholds. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify relevant factors among two age groups (<4 months; 4-5 months). SETTING 80 townships were selected in Sichuan, China from November to December 2019. PARTICIPANTS 942 infants under six months, while haemoglobin level were tested for 577 infants. RESULTS The overall mean (±SD) haemoglobin level was 106.03 (± 12.04) g/L. About 62.6% (95%CI: 58.5, 66.6) of sample infants were anemic using the WHO threshold, and 20.5% (95%CI: 17.3, 24.1) were anemic using the China Pediatrics Association thresholds. Anaemia rates rose with increasing age in months. Multivariable linear regressions revealed that lower haemoglobin levels were significantly associated with lower birth weight (<4 months: b = 4.14, 95% CI: 0.19, 8.08; 4-5 months: b = 6.60, 95% CI: 2.94, 10.27) and delivery by cesarean section (<4 months: b = -4.64, 95%CI: -7.79, -1.49; 4-5 months: b = -4.58, 95%CI: -7.45, -1.71). CONCLUSION A large share of infants under six months in rural western China are anemic. Infants with low-birth-weight and cesarean-delivered should be prioritized for anaemia testing. Future studies should move the point of focus forward to at least 4 months of age and examine the link between cesarean-section and anaemia to promote health and development in infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefan Du
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 16 Section 3 South Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anne Durstenfeld
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sarah-Eve Dill
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Qingzhi Wang
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 16 Section 3 South Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 16 Section 3 South Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Xue
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Saraswati Kache
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alexis Medina
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Scott Rozelle
- Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Shi H, Yang Y, Yin X, Li J, Fang J, Wang X. Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months in China: a cross-sectional study. Int Breastfeed J 2021; 16:40. [PMID: 34001155 PMCID: PMC8130252 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00388-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast milk is the best source of essential nutrients and bioactive components for infants under 6 months. However, little is known about what affects breastfeeding intentions and practices of Chinese mothers. With measures of individual, setting, and sociocultural factors, this study examined determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of infancy in China. Methods Data were obtained from a national cross-sectional survey in China in 2018 that included 5237 infants under 6 months with available measurements of breastfeeding. A 24-h reported food recall method was applied to assess breastfeeding and complementary food intake in the past 24 h. Potential breastfeeding determinants categorized into six aspects were measured: (1) infant health, (2) maternal sociodemographic characteristics, (3) maternal health, (4) breastfeeding support from family, friends, and workplace, (5) social support for breastfeeding, and (6) maternal breastfeeding experiences and knowledge. Reasons for non-commencement or early cessation of breastfeeding were evaluated for non-breastfed infants. For breastfed infants, multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding. Results About 30 % (29.5%) of infants under 6 months were exclusively breastfed; 2.3% (2.3%) had never been breastfed and 3.2% had ceased breastfeeding. No breast milk (60.7%), maternal illness (13.9%), and infant illness (13.1%) were the top three reasons for non-commencement of breastfeeding. Insufficient breast milk was the reason given for ceasing breastfeeding early by almost two thirds of caregivers who had stopped breastfeeding. The following factors were associated with exclusive breastfeeding: maternal higher education, formal employment with ≥6 months of paid maternity leave, support of the husband and best friends for breastfeeding, a breastfeeding-supportive society, and better breastfeeding knowledge and experiences (a previous successful breastfeeding experience ≥6 months and early initiation of breastfeeding). Maternal age of ≥40 years, caesarean delivery, and infant disease history were associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions The exclusive breastfeeding rate is still very low in China. Multidimensional barriers contribute to this situation. A comprehensive intervention framework is needed to increase optimal breastfeeding and achieve substantial public health gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yumei Yang
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Yin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Li
- China Development Research Foundation, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Fang
- China Development Research Foundation, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China. .,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Beijing, China.
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Abstract
Malaria is a major cause of anaemia in tropical areas. Malaria infection causes haemolysis of infected and uninfected erythrocytes and bone marrow dyserythropoiesis which compromises rapid recovery from anaemia. In areas of high malaria transmission malaria nearly all infants and young children, and many older children and adults have a reduced haemoglobin concentration as a result. In these areas severe life-threatening malarial anaemia requiring blood transfusion in young children is a major cause of hospital admission, particularly during the rainy season months when malaria transmission is highest. In severe malaria, the mortality rises steeply below an admission haemoglobin of 3 g/dL, but it also increases with higher haemoglobin concentrations approaching the normal range. In the management of severe malaria transfusion thresholds remain uncertain. Prevention of malaria by vector control, deployment of insecticide-treated bed nets, prompt and accurate diagnosis of illness and appropriate use of effective anti-malarial drugs substantially reduces the burden of anaemia in tropical countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J White
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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