“Prospera” Program impact on hemoglobin concentration in children less than five years old from San Luis Potosí State

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the “PROSPERA” program impact over hemoglobin concentrations in a 14‐month follow‐up panel of children less than five years old.MethodsA follow up was realized in 400 and 325 children from 1 to 3 years old beneficiaries of PROSPERA program and controls respectively. For hemoglobin measurement a capillary blood sample was obtained from ring finger and determined through a HemoCue portable photometer. Cutoff criteria for anemia were the proposed by the WHO, adjusting by attitude using Cohen & Hass algorithms. Hemoglobin cutoff value was as follows: 110g/l (based on WHO reference).Resultsat the beginning of the study, the anemia prevalence was significantly higher in the PROSPERA group when compared to the control, (41.5 vs 29.6%, p=0.001) this trend was the same during intermediate stage and disappeared at the end of the study. PROSPERA program impact over hemoglobin concentrations was slightly positive. Moreover it was observed that when the time of belonging to the program increased the hemoglobin concentrations also raised.ConclusionsPROSPERA program was capable of increase the hemoglobin concentrations and impact in the anemia prevalence in the beneficiary children. This led us to recommend the intake of iron‐rich foods, along with a more diverse diet promoted by meat –and other foods with heme‐iron‐ introduction (maybe through the supplements provided by the program).Support or Funding InformationSupported by FOMIX SLP. Project: FMSLP‐213‐C02‐208475