Gri-food factors associated with the prevalence of child anemia in high-andean communities of Huancavelica, Peru

Chagua-Rodríguez P.; Chirinos-Peinado D.; Castro-Bedriñana J. · Revista Espanola de Nutricion Comunitaria (2022)

Resumen

Background: Anemia is one of the major public health problems in Peru, showing a notable prevalence in the child population of high Andean communities. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between food consumption, food production and nutritional status of children under five years of age in Andean families in Huancavelica, Peru. It also aimed to know the habits and frequency of food consumption and terms of nutritional food security. Methods: Cross-sectional study of descriptive-relational type, with the participation of 55 families with children under 5 years old; components of nutritional food security were evaluated. Chi-square and Spearman's R tests was realized. Results: The high prevalence of childhood anemia in the study communities expresses 38% for mild anemia, 34% moderate anemia and 9% severe anemia. Food consumption is mainly carbohydrates, on average the consumption of fish and iron-rich foods is deficient and the mothers' level of education in nutrition is very low. Conclusions: The high prevalence of childhood anemia in the communities of Tres de Octubre and Bellavista - Huancavelica is associated with the mother's level of education, the consumption of fish and offal, the possession of bio-gardens and the animal production.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú; Universidad Nacional Autónoma Altoandina de Tarma