A Retrospective Case-Control Study of the Determinants of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants in an Urban Community in Shanghai China Between 2010-2015
- 1 July 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by International Scientific Information, Inc. in Medical Science Monitor
- Vol. 26, e921463-1-e921463-7
- https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.921463
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global public health problem. This study aimed to analyze the social determinants of IDA in infants living in Shanghai, China, between 2010-2015. Material/Methods: Data were analyzed retrospectively from the Shanghai Children's Health Check Record system in the Tangqiao Community Health Service Center for infants aged <24 months between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. A study group was identified with IDA, and an age-matched and gender-matched healthy control group was identified. Results: The five-year prevalence rate of IDA was 11.49% (150/1305). Infants with IDA had significantly lower birth weights (3228.720 +/- 456.200 gm vs. 3376.870 +/- 393.719 gm; P<0.01), a higher percentage of premature births (10.67% vs. 1.33%; P<0.001), a longer exclusive breastfeeding period (10.63 +/- 4.844 months vs. 7.08 +/- 5.039 months; P<0.001), a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding within four months after birth (P<0.001), a later start for complementary feeding (7.32 +/- 1.633 months vs. 6.93 +/- 1.794 months; P<0.05), and a higher rate of starting complementary feeding after 6 months of age (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups for maternal child-bearing age, mode of delivery, infant birth height, and birth rank. Conclusions: The introduction of an iron-fortified formula for exclusively breastfed infants at 4 months of age, starting complementary feeding promptly before 6 months of age, and improving perinatal care for pregnant women to avoid premature birth and reduce low birth weight may be effective measures to prevent IDA.This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit:
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