Iron consumption and prevalence of anemia in children and adolescents in a high altitude community in Peru

Ballon-Salcedo C.; Ccami-Bernal F.; Ramos-Flores Y.; Sierra-Morales S.; Vera-Portilla A.F.; Moreno-Loaiza O. · Revista Espanola de Nutricion Comunitaria (2020)

Resumen

Background: Children and adolescents residing at high altitudes, 3,000 or more meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) represent a vulnerable group that may have anemia. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between hemoglobin values and knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding iron consumption in children and adolescents from the Ayroca community, Arequipa, Peru. Methods: Descriptive study. Hemoglobin levels were measured in 65 children and adolescents from Ayroca, located at 3,515 m.a.s.l. The diagnosis of anemia was evaluated both using the altitude correction recommendations of the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) and uncorrected. To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding iron consumption, we applied the KAP questionnaire of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for iron deficiency, in those responsible for the care of the study population. Results: Using the MINSA recommendation, of all children and adolescents, 30.8% had mild anemia, 12.3% moderate anemia and 56.9% had no anemia. When the altitude correction was not performed, 93.8% did not have anemia. As for iron consumption, it was not different between children with anemia and without anemia. The main source of iron with which food is prepared was chicken 28 (60.9%) and beef 18 (39.1%). No differences were found between attitudes and practices between the groups studied. Conclusions: Using the altitude correction factor, no relationship was found between the prevalence of anemia and the knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding iron consumption, so we consider it necessary to consider exclusive altitude correction factors for the Peruvian population.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa