Hemoglobin concentrations and associated factors in adolescentes from Recife, Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in adolescents from the city of Recife in Pernambuco state. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, involving a random sample of 256 adolescents of both genders, aged 13 to 18, whose hemoglobin concentrations were evaluated, along with their nutritional status and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of inadequate hemoglobin concentrations was 10.2% [CI95%=6.7-14.5], reaching levels considered as mild anemia (9 g/dL <hemoglobin <12 g/dL). Female students had lower mean hemoglobin concentrations in all age groups (p<0.001). No association was observed between hemoglobin concentrations and nutritional status (p>0.05), nor with socioeconomic or demographic characteristics (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of anemia was low and classified as a mild health problem, preventive nutrition education involving the dissemination of healthy eating habits in schools and encouraging the consumption of iron-rich foods are strongly recommended.

Fatores associados à anemia em adolescentes escolares: Um estudo transversal

“…[IC95% = 6,7-14,5], caracterizando-se como uma prevalência leve (Mendonça et al, 2014) Corroboram com o presente estudo, a prevalência e os níveis de hemoglobina encontrados entre 409 crianças e adolescentes de escolas públicas da região metropolitana de Curitiba-PR, cujo percentual foi de 2,2% de anemia, porém, não houve diferença entre os sexos (Spezia et al, 2018).…”

Prevalence of anemia in schools of the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Brazil

“…The “National Program for the Supplementation of Iron and Folic Acid” using wheat and cornmeal implemented by the Ministry of Health in 1999 and, the “National School Meals Program” implemented by the Ministry of Education in 1955 are examples of national policies that may contribute to the prevention of iron deficiency. 16 , 19 , 20 …”

“…The hematological profile in the different regions of the country should be evaluated to trace the prevalence of anemia, aiming to contribute with epidemiological data and, thus, to assist future interventions or prevention policies. 6 , 8 , 20 , 22 …”

Níveis de Hemoglobina e Consumo de Alimentos Fontes de Ferro em Estudantes do Ensino Médio

“…Para esta faixa etária, destacam-se ainda inadequadas condições nutricionais como comportamentais, qualitativas e quantitativas, e presença de verminoses 3 . A associação de baixos níveis de hemoglobina em adolescentes do sexo feminino também foi descrita em estudos nos quais há uma delimitação mais específica da faixa etária 8,10,19 . Pesquisas internacionais também mostram essa associação [20][21][22] e, em alguns casos, está relacionada à menorragia 23 .…”