ASSOCIATION BETWEEN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AND UNDERWEIGHT IN CHILDREN TREATED AT THE SANTA MARTHA HEALTH CENTER, CHONE-ECUADOR, 2025

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v8i16.0267

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between iron deficiency anemia and underweight in children under two years of age treated at the Santa Martha Health Center, Chone-Ecuador, 2025. Methods: A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study with a mixed design (documentary and observational) was conducted. The sample consisted of 145 children under two years of age who met inclusion criteria. An observation sheet and a validated questionnaire were applied. Data analysis was performed with SPSS v25, using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 47.9% mild and 52.1% moderate. Moderate anemia was most common in children aged 7–12 months, particularly in girls, whereas mild anemia was associated with poor feeding quality. Underweight affected 8% of the children, with higher frequency among boys and those aged 13–18 months. No significant association was found between hemoglobin as a continuous value and weight-for-age (p=0.572), but a significant relationship was observed between greater anemia severity and risk of underweight (p=0.030). Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia remains a prevalent problem in early childhood, and its severity is significantly associated with underweight. Preventive and nutritional interventions targeting children under two years are urgently needed.

Keywords: iron deficiency anemia, underweight, infants, nutrition.