Factors associated with hemoglobin levels in children under 6 months of age hospitalized in a pediatric center in Peru

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a condition in which there is a low concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Although many causes of anemia have been identified, there are few studies in which they are related to epidemiological factors in the first months of life. Objective of the study: To determine the factors associated with hemoglobin levels in children under 6 months of age hospitalized in a specialized pediatric center in Peru. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study in children under 6 months of age hospitalized in the medical services of a pediatric center during the year 2017, 267 medical records were reviewed, emphasizing clinical and epidemiological characteristics. Results: 61.4% of the infants were female, and only 6.7% of the proportion of the population studied were less than 1 month old. 6.7% had low birth weight, and 53.2% had a normal delivery. The level of anemia in hospitalized children under 6 months of age is 66.7%. Conclusions: According to the bivariate analysis, a significant association was found between hemoglobin levels with the variables age, nutritional status of weight for length and hospital causes. Regarding the multivariate analysis, only an association was found between age and the median Hb present in boys and girls aged 0 to 5 months hospitalized in a pediatric center in Peru.