Anemia-associated factors in infants born at term with normal weight.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the factors involved in the genesis of infant iron deficiency anemia.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study, which evaluated 104 children in their second year of life who were born at term with adequate weight in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An interview, a 24-hour recall to parents, and anthropometric assessment were used. Laboratory exams included blood count, ferritin, and serum retinol. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of UFMG and UFV. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Epi Info and SPSS softwares. Poisson generalized linear regression model was used to determine the association of anemia with the study variables, with results expressed as prevalence ratio.


RESULTS
Vitamin A deficiency and anemia were identified in 9.6% e 26% of the children, respectively. Infant anemia was associated with the date of onset of prenatal care, maternal use of iron after childbirth, paternal working status, prior use of iron by the child, and duration of breastfeeding. Thus, in the second year of life, lactating children of women who began prenatal care late and did not use iron compounds after birth, with unemployed parents, who never received iron compounds, and who were predominantly breastfed for more than four months had significantly higher prevalence of anemia.


CONCLUSIONS
The results have demonstrated the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and infancy in the prevention of anemia in children.
Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.
Michele Pereira
MP
Netto
Daniela da Silva
Dda S
Rocha
Sylvia do Carmo Castro
Sdo C
Franceschini
Joel Alves
JA
Lamounier
D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011181:Postnatal Care; D011295:Prenatal Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D047929:Term Birth