Prevalencia de anemia y su relación con el consumo de hierro en niños de 1 a 5 años en CDI Nueva Esperanza, 2025.

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia in early childhood remains a significant public health problem, especially in contexts where dietary and social limitations persist. The consumption of iron-rich foods is a potentially modifiable factor, and its evolution can provide useful evidence to guide local interventions in combating anemia. Methodology: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in children aged 12 to 59 months who attended the Nueva Esperanza Child Development Center (CDI) during 2025. Hemoglobin values were obtained from laboratory records, and dietary information was collected through a questionnaire administered to caregivers, in which the frequency of consumption of iron-rich foods was assessed, along with an exploratory analysis of clinical and demographic variables. Results: A high frequency of anemia was observed, with mild and moderate forms predominating. The dietary pattern showed an intermediate weekly consumption of iron-rich foods, with a higher frequency of protein sources such as chicken, fish, and legumes, and less regular consumption of red meat and organ meats. However, no significant association was observed between anemia and the frequency of consumption of the foods evaluated. Nevertheless, an association was found with younger age and differences in weekly attendance at the CDI. Conclusion: Anemia proved to be a frequent problem in the studied population, and its pattern suggests a multifactorial etiology, so the approach should not be limited solely to the reported frequency of consumption of iron-rich foods.