Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Mar 20, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Mar 19, 2024 - May 14, 2024
Date Accepted: Jan 28, 2025
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Prevalence of At-Risk of Anaemia and Associated Factors in Malaysian Children Under Three Years of Age: A Non-Invasive Approach
ABSTRACT
Background:
Anaemia remains a significant public health concern with adverse effects among children. Non-invasive screening assessments enable early detection and prompt treatment of anaemia. However, there is limited literature on the use of such screening assessments available.
Objective:
The study aimed to assess the prevalence, profile and factors associated with being at risk of anaemia among Malaysian children aged ≥ 6 to ≤ 36 months, using a non-invasive hemoglobin assessment.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study among out-patient Malaysian children aged ≥ 6 months to ≤ 36 months, who were randomly selected from five maternal-and-child health clinics. At risk of anaemia was defined as continuous total hemoglobin <12 g/dL, measured using the Masimo Rad-67, a non-invasive screening device for total hemoglobin. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the profiles and factors associated with being at risk of anaemia, using R-Studio (version 4.0.0).
Results:
The study comprised of 1201 participants, of whom 30% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28–33) were being at risk of anaemia. A significantly higher risk of anaemia was found among children of 6–12 months, of Asian-Malay race, those from Klang district, those born via normal vaginal delivery, with no Thalassemia, and lower weight for age Z score. Children of 6-12 months (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.81, 95% (CI): 1.33-2.46), and Asian-Malay race (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.09-2.34) were associated with higher odds of being at risk of anaemia compared to children >12-36 months, and Asian-Chinese race, respectively. However, weight for age (AOR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.79-0.99) had a negative association with being at risk of anaemia.
Conclusions:
The current study revealed a substantial prevalence of Malaysian children being at risk of developing anaemia. Study results therefore imply a need for more community education and awareness on anaemia, including nutrition education, as well as targeted community screening to enable early detection and prompt treatment of anaemia cases. Anaemia reduction strategies in Malaysia should consider the highlighted profiles with a higher risk of anaemia
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