Iron deficiency anemia among adolescents participating of the Bolsa Família Program: Analysis in the light of health conditionalities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2022.45.12615Keywords:
Anemia Ferropriva, Saúde do Adolescente, Políticas e Programas de Alimentação e Nutrição, Vigilância NutricionalAbstract
Objective: Assess the proportion of cases of iron deficiency anemia among adolescents and discuss it in light of the health conditionalities of the Bolsa Família Program (BFP). Methodology: Quantitative cross-sectional study with a sample of 165 adolescents, ages between 10 and 18 years, both sexes, participating in the PBF in the municipality of Lavras-MG. Anemia was detected trough digitally puncturing a drop of blood using a Hemocue® portable hemoglobinometer. Food security status, nutritional status and food consumption were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 26%, which is classified as a moderate public health problem. The presence of anemia was associated with the consumption of fried goods (p = 0.020), chocolate milk (p = 0.042) and stuffed biscuits (p=0.045). Overweight was found in 21.8% of female adolescents, and 12.6% of male adolescents. Food insecurity prevalence was detected in 42.5% of adolescents. Conclusion: Unpublished data on the high prevalence of anemia among adolescents participating in the BFP in the city of Lavras-MG are presented in this research. These results show that despite advances in the proposal of public policies to fight anemia, they are not reaching this age group. Specifically, the BFP is a public policy that contributes to the prevention and fight against anemia, however changes in its methodological design are necessary, especially health conditionalities, so that we can see an effective decrease in the prevalence of anemia among adolescents, and consequently effective improvements in their quality of life and health.
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