Factors Associated With Anemia in Xavante Indigenous Children From Central Brazil

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the factors associated with anemia in Xavante children from the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Territory (IT) in Central Brazil through path analysis.

Methods

A survey was conducted with children between 6 months and 5 years in the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Reserve in 2011. Hemoglobin levels, anthropometric measurements, and socioeconomic/demographic data were collected, and cut-off points were recommended by the World Health Organization in 2024. A theoretical model was adapted from previous literature, and direct and indirect associations were evaluated on a theoretical-scientific basis through path analysis. A significance level of 5% was considered.

Results

Approximately 61.1% of the Indigenous children evaluated had anemia (33.7% < 5 years old had moderate/severe anemia and 78.1% < 2 years old had anemia). The final model presented an acceptable fit. Significant and direct relationships were observed between children's age (β = 0.460), the number of residents in the household (β = −0.143), the village group (β = −0.346) and hemoglobin levels.

Conclusion

According to their hemoglobin levels, anemia was more prevalent in children under 2 years of age, as well as in children living in the most populous households and the newest village groups, than in the other groups. These findings point to the existence of socioeconomic, demographic, historical, and biological determinants of the prevalence of anemia. In addition, this study showed that Indigenous peoples in Brazil experience health inequities.