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Prevalence of Anaemia and Iron Deficiency among Primary Schoolchildren in Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Safii Nik Shanita

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Awal Siti Hanisa

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Ab Rahim Noor Afifah

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Shoo Thien Lee

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Kar Hau Chong

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Penny George

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Abu Bakar Norazida

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Siti Balkis Budin

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Ilse Khouw

    (FrieslandCampina, 3818 LE Amersfoort, The Netherlands)

  • A Karim Norimah

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Bee Koon Poh

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    National Co-ordinator, the SEANUTS Study Group.)

Abstract

The present study aimed to report the prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency (ID) and to explore the associations among socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional status and inflammation status in the occurrence of anaemia and ID in a nationally representative sample of Malaysian primary schoolchildren. Using data from the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS), 544 Malaysian children aged 7 to 12 years were included in this secondary analysis. Blood samples were drawn for haemoglobin and serum ferritin analysis while C-reactive protein (CRP) and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) were measured to detect inflammation. Prevalence of anaemia and ID were 4.0% and 5.2%, respectively. There were significantly more anaemic indigenous bumiputra children (9.9%) than Chinese children (0.6%). Correction for inflammation did not change the prevalence of ID. More overweight/obese children than thin/normal weight children were found to have elevated acute phase protein (APP). Children with elevated inflammatory markers had significantly higher ferritin level than children without inflammation. Periodic health assessments of anaemia and ID at the population level to monitor and clarify the epidemiology of health problems are required to inform public health policies and strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Safii Nik Shanita & Awal Siti Hanisa & Ab Rahim Noor Afifah & Shoo Thien Lee & Kar Hau Chong & Penny George & Abu Bakar Norazida & Siti Balkis Budin & Ilse Khouw & A Karim Norimah & Bee Koon Poh, 2018. "Prevalence of Anaemia and Iron Deficiency among Primary Schoolchildren in Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:11:p:2332-:d:177582
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yamuna Rajoo & Stephen Ambu & Yvonne Ai Lian Lim & Komalaveni Rajoo & Siew Chang Tey & Chan Woon Lu & Romano Ngui, 2017. "Neglected Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition and Associated Key Factors: A Population Based Cross-Sectional Study among Indigenous Communities in Sarawak, Malaysia," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, January.
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