Abstract
When prevalence rates of anemia exceed 40%, the World Health Organization recognizes this as a severe public health problem. In Peru, approximately 43.5% (urban) and 51.1% (rural) of children between the ages of 6 and 36 months have anemia. Currently, limited data exists regarding prevalence rates in many of the high altitude regions of Peru. The main purpose of this pilot study was to establish evidence of anemia in infants and children (7 months through 5 years of age) living in the rural, mountainous region of Ollantaytambo District. This pilot study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design to assess the presence of anemia in infants and children. Hemoglobin levels were collected from 160 children across 12 villages where elevations ranged from 2800 to 4100 meters above sea level. Chi Square tests compared anemia with age ranges, altitude, anthropometric measures, breastfeeding patterns, and types of communities. Adjusted hemoglobin levels established 47.5% of the 160 participants were anemic. Chi Square results indicated children aged 25-36 months and children living in communities at 3100 and 4100 meters displayed higher than expected rates of anemia. Results confirmed high rates of anemia and the need for education related to dietary factors.
Highlights
In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally 43% of children experience anemia (2015)
The results of this study found that approximately 79% of infants developed anemia by 5 months of age suggesting that infants did not have sufficient stores of iron at birth to sustain growth over the first 4-6 months of life
The results indicated that stunting in children less than 5 years old was highest (54.6%) among high altitude regions and the regions with high rates of poverty
Summary
In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally 43% of children experience anemia (2015). When prevalence rates of anemia exceed 40%, the WHO recognizes this as a severe public health problem (WHO, 2008). The most common etiology of anemia is iron deficiency, accounting for approximately 50% of cases. The prevalence of anemia varies based on the resources of the country; anemia is a major health problem for children in low-income or low-resource countries. Peru is a high-middle income country, the Ministerio de Salud reports that approximately 43.5% (urban) and 51.1% (rural) of children in Peru between the ages of 6 and 36 months have anemia (2015). Income levels, nutritional factors, and access to healthcare; the prevalence of anemia in Peru varies from a high of 76% in Puno (southeastern region along the Andes Mountain range) to a low of 34% in La Libertad (coastal region along the western border)
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