Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To study the risk factors for maternal anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in China. METHODS: The study was a multi-stage stratified cluster randomization survey for mothers of children under 2 years of age (Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013). Totally, 10 652 mothers were selected from 55 counties of 30 provinces in China, of whom 6255 were lactating mother and the other 4397 were not at the time of survey. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin level < 110 g/L. IDA was defined as plasma ferritin level < 15 ug/L and anemia. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia and IDA was 10.5% (95%CI:8.5-12.5) and 4.1% (95%CI:3.1-5.0), respectively. Maternal education level and nationality were associated with anemia (OR (95%CI): senior high school above vs junior high school or below:0.67(0.47-0.97); Han nationnality vs minority: 1.74(1.18-2.57)). Maternal age, education level, lactation and calcium supplementation during pregnancy were significantly associated with IDA (OR (95%CI:):25 years old or above vs less than 25 years: 0.44(0.26-0.75); senior high school above vs junior high school or below: 0.75 (0.58-0.98); lactated women vs lactating women: 0.76(0.68-0.98); calcium supplementation vs non-calcium supplementation: 0.82(0.68-0.98)). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of maternal anemia remains high, but the prevalence of maternal IDA is at low level in China. Maternal education level and nationality are associated with anemia. Lactation status, maternal education level, age and calcium supplementation are associated with IDA. FUNDING SOURCES: National Health and Family Planning Commission (former Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China) Medical Reform Major Program: Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2013).