Risk Factors of Nutritional Anemia in Vietnam

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the distribution and severity of anemia in Vietnam and 2) assess potential risk factors for anemia. 9550 households in 53 provinces were covered using a stratified two-stage cluster survey. Selected household members were interviewed; intestinal helminthes were tested by Kato-Katz technique; hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured with Hemocue. Data were weighted and analyzed by survey procedures using SAS. Overall, 60% of children under 2 y old, 53% of pregnant women, and 40% of non-pregnant women were anemic. Hookworm infection was the strongest factor associated with anemia (OR=1.7; 2.9 and 4.5 for 1–1999, 2000–3999 and ≥ 4000 hookworm egg counts, respectively). 22% of anemia was attributable to hookworm infection. Hookworm intensity was significantly associated with hemoglobin level; for each 1000 egg increase, Hb was reduced by 2.4 g/L. Rural residence, eating less than one serving of meat per week, and farming was significantly associated with anemia in women and children. Other risk factors in women include having more than 3 children and having a child less than 6 months old. Children less than 2 y old were nearly 4 times more likely to be anemic than older children. In men, there were no significant associations of anemia with any of the variables studied. Our findings suggest that multiple strategies should be considered for an anemia control program, including anthelminthic therapy, iron supplementation and fortification. Priority should be given to women and children, particularly farmers and residents in rural areas. Funding: UNICEF