Hemoglobin and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) tests are commonly used to screen for iron deficiency, but little research has been done to systematically evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these two tests. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc protoporphyrin/heme (ZPP/H) ratio as a point-of-service screening test for iron deficiency among preschool-aged children by comparing the sensitivity and specificity of hemoglobin, ZPP/H ratio, and serum ferritin (SF). Also completed were assessments for the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency (ID), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with indicators of ferritin models. This study was carried out with 95 children ages 3 to 6 y. Anthropometric measurements were assessed, and blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, SF, transferrin saturation (TS), and ZPP. Anemia was common and the prevalences of anemia, ID, and IDA were 14.7%, 12.6%, and 5.2%, respectively. The ZPP/H ratio was strongly and significantly correlated with hemoglobin. And ZPP/H ratio was a more sensitive test for ID than hemoglobin or SF measurement, correctly identifying more than twice as many iron-deficient children (sensitivity of 91.7%, compared to 41.7% for hemoglobin and SF). However, ZPP/H ratio had lower specificity (60.2%, compared to 89.1% for hemoglobin or 96.4% for SF) and resulted in the false identification of more subjects who actually were not iron deficient than did hemoglobin or SF. Low hemoglobin concentration is a late-stage indicator of ID, but ZPP/H ratio can detect ID at early stages and can be performed easily at a relatively low cost. Therefore, ZPP/H ratio can serve as a potential screening test for pre-anemic iron deficiency in community pediatric practices.
Korean Americans are one of the fastest growing Asian populations in the US; more than 1.4 million Koreans live in the US. The purpose of this study was to compare health practices of Korean American and non‐Asian American adults (30 years and older). Cross‐sectional surveys using a validated food frequency and general health questionnaire including exercise habits, dietary practices, and body image was carried out in 242 Korean Americans and 261 Americans in San Diego and Los Angeles. Korean Americans reported lower body mass indexes (BMI) (22.35 vs. 25.31), body weights, and healthier body images than Americans (p < 0.001). Paradoxically, more Americans participated in structured exercise (p < 0.001). Compared to the Korean Americans who did participate in structured exercise, Americans exercised for longer bouts (p < 0.001). Korean American adults still prefer traditional Korean foods. Americans may feel they can eat more because they exercise. Additionally, poor dietary choices may negate the benefits of exercise. This study points to important discrepancies in health advocacy. Further research examining the importance of dietary components and overall energy intake is warranted.
Many preventable chronic diseases are related to diet and health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in health behaviors and dietary intakes at different stages of life to observe where shifts in behavior take place. Health, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary intake were assessed via questionnaire to 596 Southern Californians. Participants were divided into three groups based on age and stage of life: teenagers, college, and adults. Findings showed significant differences in intakes among the groups, with trends towards healthier food intake with age. Adults consumed less meat, more fish, less fast food, and had a decline in snacking (P<0.05). Adults and college aged were more likely to make food choices based on food labels (P<0.01) and follow United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines (P <0.05). However, an increase in body mass index (BMI) was observed in adults, with the average BMI in the overweight category, as well as a shift in body image that found adults were more likely to consider themselves overweight, while teens and college aged were more likely to consider themselves thin or fit. In addition, declines in exercise (P<0.01) and exercise strength (P<0.01) were found between teens and adults. This study found that although adults practiced healthier food and lifestyle behaviors, BMI and body image shifted towards becoming overweight and exercise declined.
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