BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the United States, affecting nearly one quarter of all low-income children. Iron deficiency is associated with impaired cognitive function and developmental outcomes in children. According to USDA research, about 10% of all U.S. households are food insecure, having limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate foods. Both food insecurity and iron deficiency are closely linked to poverty. However, little is known of the relationships among household food security, health and nutrition. Delineating relationships between low iron nurtriture and food security would provide valuable information for improving programs that serve low-income families and guiding public policy. DESIGN/METHODS: In 1996 the Boston Medical Center (BMC) began nutrition surveillance of young children utilizing the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) and hospital-based primary care services. Between 1996 and 1999, interview and medical record data were collected for children seen in the PED. Caretakers were asked socioeconomic, health and household food security questions from the USDA Food Security Measurement module. Laboratory results were obtained independently from the pediatric primary care clinic and stored in a computer-based surveillance tracking system. RESULTS: Household interviews were linked to 436 laboratory records. Analysis of the data examines the hypothesis that iron deficiency is associated with household food insecurity in children under age 3.
Learning Objectives: *List two indicators of food security and iron deficiency in children. *describe the method for determining food security and iron deficiency in a hospital-based population. *articulate the relationship between food insecurity and iron deficiency in children
Keywords: Child Health, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.