ResumoObjetivo: Investigar os fatores de risco para anemia em lactentes atendidos nos serviços públicos de saúde. Métodos: Em estudo transversal, foram avaliadas 205 crianças de 6 a 12 meses no município de Viçosa (MG). A coleta de dados envolveuvariáveis socioeconômicas, ambientais e biológicas, bem como aquelas relacionadas ao estado nutricional, à mãe, ao nascimento, ao cuidado com a saúde infantil, às práticas alimentares e à suplementação com ferro. O diagnóstico da anemia baseou-se nos valores de hemoglobina inferiores a 11 g/dL, utilizando o fotômetro portátil Hemocue. Na análise da associação das variáveis com a anemia, foi utilizada a regressão logística múltipla hierarquizada. Resultados AbstractObjective: To investigate risk factors for anemia in infants assisted by public health services. Methods:In a cross-sectional study carried out in Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 205 children from 6 to 12 months were evaluated.Socioeconomic, environmental and biological data were collected, as well as information on child's birth, nutritional status, maternal data, child health care practices, feeding practices, and iron supplementation.Diagnosis of anemia was based on hemoglobin levels under 11 g/dL, using a portable Hemocue photometer. To analyze variables associated with anemia, a hierarchical logistic regression model was used. Results:The prevalence of anemia was 57.6%. Family income per capita less than 0.5 minimum wage, frequency of fruit intake less than daily and lack of iron supplementation increased the chance of anemia among infants. Conclusion:Adequate health and nutrition support to low income families, promotion of healthy nutritional habits and prescription of iron supplements are of great importance to prevent and manage anemia in infants assisted by public health services.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2007;83(2):149-156

Objective: To investigate risk factors for anemia in infants assisted by public health services. Methods:In a cross-sectional study carried out in Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 205 children from 6 to 12 months were evaluated. Socioeconomic, environmental and biological data were collected, as well as information on child's birth, nutritional status, maternal data, child health care practices, feeding practices, and iron supplementation. Diagnosis of anemia was based on hemoglobin levels under 11 g/dL, using a portable Hemocue photometer. To analyze variables associated with anemia, a hierarchical logistic regression model was used.Results: The prevalence of anemia was 57.6%. Family income per capita less than 0.5 minimum wage, frequency of fruit intake less than daily and lack of iron supplementation increased the chance of anemia among infants. Conclusion:Adequate health and nutrition support to low income families, promotion of healthy nutritional habits and prescription of iron supplements are of great importance to prevent and manage anemia in infants assisted by public health services.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2007;83(2):149-156: Anemia, iron deficiency, risk factors, infants.