Complementary Feeding and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children under Two Years of Age in a Rural Area of Peru

Montalvo Y.J.O.; Enriquez B.K.L.; de la Rosa L.N.; Romaní K.J.O. · Revista Cubana de Pediatria (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Anemia is considered a global public health problem, especially in populations with low economic conditions. Identifying protective and risk factors is necessary for the eradication of this condition. Objective: To evaluate the association between caregivers’ practices and knowledge about complementary feeding and iron deficiency anemia in children under two years of age at a health center in a rural area of Lima, Peru. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 202 caregivers were included. Blood tests for hemoglobin levels and self-report questionnaires were the measures employed. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests and binary logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 75.25%. Increased knowledge (aOR: 0.01) and adequate complementary feeding practices (aOR: 0.01) were associated with a decrease in iron deficiency anemia. Other protective factors associated with anemia were caregiver age (aOR: 0.54) and caregivers having higher education (aOR: 0.33). Conclusions: Knowledge, complementary feeding practices, caregiver age, and caregivers having higher education are associated with anemia in children under two years of age. These findings provide relevant information and call for improving caregivers' knowledge and practices regarding anemia.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae; Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener