Anemia among children aged 2–5 years in the Gaza Strip- Palestinian: a cross sectional study

BMC Public Health

Wan Abdul Manan Wan Muda¹  Yehia Awad Abed²  Kah Leng Soo¹  Rima Rafiq El Kishawi² 

[1] Department of Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia;School of Public Health, Al Quds University, Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Palestine

关键词: Associated factors;    Prevalence;    Hemoglobin;    Anemia;   

Others  :  1170948
DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-015-1652-2

 received in 2014-05-07, accepted in 2015-03-18,  发布年份 2015

【 摘 要 】

Background

Anemia is a major public health problem worldwide, with adverse consequences on child growth, development, and survival. This deficiency has affected approximately a quarter of the world population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and the associated factors among preschool children in the Gaza Strip.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2012. A total of 357 preschool children were selected using multistage sampling method from Jabalya refugee camp, El Remal urban area, and Al Qarara rural area. Hemoglobin level was measured, and anemia diagnosis was confirmed at a level <11.0 g/dL. In this study, we utilized a pretested questionnaire for face to face interview with mothers. Anthropometric indicators for children were measured using the WHO guideline. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia.

Results

The overall prevalence of anemia was 59.7% among preschool children in the Gaza Strip, 46.5% and 13.5% of which are mild and moderate, respectively. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.83 ± 0.86 g/dl. Children living in Jabalya refugee camp have a high risk of anemia [adjusted b= −0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI;-0.72,-0.39); p < 0.001]. Boys were more susceptible to this deficiency than girls [adjusted b = 0.17; 95% CI (0.0.01, 0.33); p = 0.031]. Hemoglobin level increased with age [adjusted b = 0.02; 95% CI (0.01, 0.03); p < 0.001]. Hemoglobin level decreased in children living in poor households [adjusted b = −0.24; 95%CI (−0.41,-0.06); p = 0.006]. Underweight children were more susceptible to anemia than normal weight children [adjusted b = − 0.22; 95% CI (−0.41, −0.03); p = 0.025].

Conclusions

The prevalence of anemia among preschool children in the Gaza Strip was higher than those reported in previous local studies, indicating that anemia is a major public health problem. In this study, we also observed mild and moderate cases among children, whereas severe anemia was not observed. Independent predictors of anemia were geographic location, sex, age, monthly income, and malnutrition. Results provided the baseline information on anemia, therefore, especial attention should be given on intervention of anemia.

【 授权许可】

   
2015 El Kishawi et al.; licensee BioMed Central.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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