[Analysis on the status of anemia among children under 3 years old in 10 provinces in western China].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the status of anemia among children under 3 years old from western China based on the data gathered from the project area.

METHODS

9616 children under 3 years old and their families were investigated, using stratified random sampling method in 46 counties in western China. To measure the content of haemoglobin by cyanmethemoglobin and hemocue, under the diagnostic criterion as 110 g/L for child aged 6 months to 6 years old, proposed by WHO and UNICEF.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of anemia among child under 3 years old in ten provinces was 33.8%. Prevalence of anemia varied along with age differences. The peak of anemia prevalence was 12-18 months. The related risk of anemia between mother and child was 3.271. Data from logistic regression showed that mother being anemic, cooking with iron pan, cooking for child separate from adults and gender had statistical significance to their children's anemia.

CONCLUSION

The feasible measures should be developed to reduce the prevalence of anemia.