Evaluación del estado anémico en niños de escolaridad pertenecientes a las comunidades Monjas Tunshi, Corazón de Jesús y la Inmaculada de la parroquia San Luis

Abstract

The main objective of this research study was to evaluate the anemic status of school children belonging to the communities of Monjas Tunshi, Corazón de Jesús and La Inmaculada in the parish of San Luis. The research was applied to children from 5 to 10 years of age, in a population of 316, with surveys and instruments to obtain information on age, gender, anthropometric measurements and risk factors. Blood samples were taken to the Parasitology laboratory of the Faculty of Sciences, where blood biometry, serum iron and leukocyte formula determination were carried out in order to diagnose an anemic state. Statistical analysis was performed using the chisquare test in order to find the risk factors for anemia. Serum iron levels were found to be 14% low in women (4%) and 10% in men (10%) and were related to iron deficiency anemia. The primary erythrocyte indices concluded that 18% were anemic, with males predominating with 11% compared to their counterparts with 7%. Anthropometric measurements were calculated by Body Mass Index, and it was established that 5% were obese, 2% moderately malnourished, 22% overweight and 71% at a healthy weight. Risk factors that predispose children to anemia were determined to be weight, personal hygiene, type of water consumed and having basic services at home. It is recommended to promote health education in schools as they work on prevention and health promotion. If these strategies are applied in the communities, the prevalence of diseases in children, who are a vulnerable population, would decrease significantly.