Prevalence and demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in colombian children, 2010

Abstract

Objectives. To determine prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in a representative sample of children in Colombia. Materials and methods. Cross sectional secondary data analysis of the National Survey on the Nutritional Situation (ENSIN) conducted in 2010 in Colombia in 3542 children between 12 and 59 months. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by chemiluminescence and values <12 ug/L were considered as deficit ferritin. Sociodemographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical region) were collected using a structured questionnaire. All analyses were performed taking into account the complex nature of the sample. Results. It was found that the average value of ferritin was 32.1 g/L, (CI 95%: 30.7-35.6).10.6% (CI 95%: 9.3-12.0) of the children had ferritin levels less than 12.0 ug/L. The multivariate logistic regression shows that children aged 12 to 23 (OR 5.1, CI 95%: 3.3-8.0) and 24 to 35 months (OR 2.4, CI 95%: 1.5-3.7), belonging to the indigenous ethnic group (OR 1.8, CI 95%: 1.1-2.8), living in the Atlantic region (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1 -3.6), or Pacific area (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1-3.6) were associated with a higher probability of ferritin deficiencies. Conclusions. A significant prevalence of anemia caused by ferritin deficiency was found as well as various sociodemographic factors that contributed to the likelihood of increasing this problem. Comprehensive interventions are recommended in which nutritional and educational components are involved.