Indicators of anemia and physical growth in schoolchildren from the Ouest and Sud-Est Departments of Haiti: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The identification and correction of malnutrition in children remains a critical public health issue in many developing countries. In this study, the rate of anemia and standardized indicators of physical growth were investigated in schoolchildren from Haiti. Hemoglobin concentrations, height, and weight were collected from schoolchildren (n = 615) and evaluated by World Health Organization (WHO) standardized classifications for anemia and child growth. Data on glucose-6-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and current or previous malaria infection available for all students; a subset of anemia and non-anemic males (n = 43) were tested for serum ferritin. School A (n = 504) had a school-based supplemental nutrition program, while School B (n = 111) did not. Anemia was identified in 48.3% of students (95% CI: 44.3, 52.3), and not associated with BMI Z scores (P = 0.28) or serum ferritin concentrations (P = 0.17). The average Z scores for body mass index (BMI) of students at School A was within the normal range, while Z scores for BMI at School B were below average. Compared to school A, students at School B had significantly higher (P <0.001) rates of anemia (44.4% vs 65.8%) and were significantly (P <0.001) more likely to be underweight (16.5% vs 43.2%). The high prevalence of anemia in children with and without normal BMIs represents a major public health concern that warrants further investigation with more comprehensive methods. This study may also highlight some potential benefits of in-school nutritional supplementation programs in achieving lower rates of anemia and reaching WHO standards for child growth.