A Noninvasive Approach to Assess the Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Anemia Risk in Malaysian Children Under Three Years of Age: Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Anemia remains a significant public health concern with adverse effects among children. Noninvasive screening assessments enable the early detection and prompt treatment of anemia. However, there is limited literature on the use of such screening assessments.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with being at risk of anemia among Malaysian children aged ≥6 months to ≤36 months by using a noninvasive hemoglobin assessment.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study (from July to December 2022) of outpatient Malaysian children, aged ≥6 months to ≤36 months, who were selected from five maternal-and-child health clinics by convenience sampling. At risk of anemia was defined as a total hemoglobin level of <12 g/dL, measured using the Masimo Rad-67, a noninvasive screening device for total hemoglobin levels. The χ2 and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the prevalence and factors associated with being at risk of anemia, using R-Studio (version 4.0.0).

Results: The study included 1201 participants, of whom 30% (95% CI 28-33) were at risk of anemia. Children aged 6-12 months (210/364, 57.7%, P<.001), those of Asian Malay race (238/364, 65.4%, P<.05), those residing in the Klang district (123/371, 33.9%, P<.05), those born via a normal vaginal delivery (275/364, 75.5%, P<.05), those without a family history of thalassemia (284/364, 78.0%, P<.05), and those with lower weight-for-age Z scores (P<.05) were associated with being at risk of anemia. Children aged 6-12 months (adjusted odds ratio=1.73; 95% CI 1.34-2.24) had higher odds of being at risk of anemia compared to children aged >12-36 months. However, weight-for-age (adjusted odds ratio=0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.98) was associated with lower odds of being at risk of anemia.

Conclusions: The current study revealed a substantial prevalence of Malaysian children being at risk of developing anemia. The study results therefore imply a need for more community education and awareness on anemia, including nutrition education, as well as targeted community screening to enable the early detection and prompt treatment of anemia cases. Anemia reduction strategies in Malaysia should consider the highlighted factors indicative of higher risk of anemia.