Anemia and Nutritional Status of Preschool Children: Comparison between Two Childhood Education Centers in Botucatu City, Brazil

Abstract

Background and Aim: Anemia is responsible for major problems in child growth and development, requiring identification and appropriate management to reduce complications and promote the overall health of children. Moreover, nutritional deficiencies also represent a major public health concern, and can lead to irreversible consequences for children. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anemia, overweight and obesity in preschool children and compare two Municipal Childhood Education Centers (CEC), one located in a suburb of the urban area and the other one in a rural area in Botucatu city, Brazil. Methods: A total of 151 children in the urban CEC and 31 children in the rural CEC were evaluated. Anthropometric measurements and nutritional status according to sex and age using the Body Mass Index were performed. The diagnosis of anemia was performed through the fingerstick hemoglobin level using the Bhemoglobin-meter device. The cutoff point was 11.0 g/dl according to recommendations for the age group from 4 to 72 months. Database was performed in Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Results: A significant association was found between CECs and nutritional status and anemia, with higher prevalence of overweight children and with anemia in the urban CEC (p=0.002). Conclusions: Anemia remains as a childhood public health problem despite all efforts through policies against it. Obesity and overweight in childhood really reveal alarming data just at preschool age. Surveillance and combating measures should be taken as a public policy involving different sectors besides health.