Prevalence and predictors of anaemia in Romanian infants 6-23 months old.
Anaemia is a public health problem that can lead to a variety of detrimental effects on physical and neurodevelopment in young children. The present study explored the epidemiology of anaemia among infants in Romania, identified risk factors and created a model for predicting it.



Data from 1532 infants aged 6-24 months were selected from a larger nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Demographic predictor variables and haemoglobin concentration were extant variables in the data set. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the best predictors of anaemia.



Overall, 46% of 6-24 month olds in the sample had anaemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dl). A variety of risk factors were associated with significantly greater odds of anaemia, but a five-factor model best predicted it (67.9% accuracy). These predictors included being male, living in a rural area, being third born or later, being a Hungarian and living in the South, South-West or West region of Romania.



While data indicate a modest decrease in anaemia from earlier Romanian studies, it remains a significant problem. Models like this one have the potential to improve identification and treatment of anaemia in young children.
The Institute for Mother and Child Care 'Alfred Rusescu', Bucharest, Romania.
E
E
Stativa
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Southwestern Christian University, 7210 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008, USA.
A V
AV
Rus
The Institute for Mother and Child Care 'Alfred Rusescu', Bucharest, Romania.
A
A
Stanescu
Elite Research, LLC, Irving, TX 75063, USA.
J S
JS
Pennings
Institute of Child Development, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA.
S R
SR
Parris
African Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe.
R
R
Wenyika
D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000208:ethnology; D007223:Infant; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012383:Romania / Q000453:epidemiology; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins
Romanian infants; anaemia; children; epidemiology; public health