Start time of complementary feeding and hemoglobin level in children under seven months.

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood anemia is a public health problem in Peru, with a negative effect on the cognitive and psychomotor development of the child, an inadequate introduction of food leads to a nutrient deficiency.

Objective: To determine the correlation between the start time of complementary feeding and the hemoglobin level in children under seven months.

Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional, correlational and prospective study. Hemoglobin values ​​were collected from 108 children under seven months of age through the data collection sheet on the start time of complementary feeding and the hemoglobin level. Spearman's Rho was used for statistical analysis.

Results: 53,7% of children evaluated presented anemia, 39,8% started complementary feeding before six months of age, the average hemoglobin value was 11,6 g/dL (SD ±1,8), children who started feeding complementary feeding before 6 months was 13,4 g/dL and in children who started at 6 months it was 10,2g/dl (p<0,000). The start time of complementary feeding is related to the hemoglobin value (Rho = -0,744) and (p<0,001)

Conclusion: There is an inverse correlation between the start time of complementary feeding and the hemoglobin level, children who started complementary feeding before the sixth month had a higher hemoglobin value.