[Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and risk indicators in children from 12 to 18 months attended at the outpatient clinic of Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira]. / Prevalência de anemia ferropriva e marcadores de risco associados em crianças entre 12 e 18 meses de idade atendidas nos Ambulatórios do Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and the associated risk indicators were studied in children from 12 to 18 months at the outpatient unit of IPPMG, in order to evaluate and monitor the service. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 288 children seen at the outpatient unit of IPPMG, from January to December 1993. Anemia was diagnosed by dosage of seric hemoglobin. The studied risk indicators were: prenatal care, birth weight, pediatric follow-up, socio-economic aspects, breast-feeding pattern, nutritional status, and iron prescription. Data were computerized and analyzed by EPIINFO and EGRET softwares. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson chi(2), and breast-feeding pattern was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Fifty percent of all children had anemia and 13.2% had severe anemia. Children had an early entry to follow-up at the clinic, and the number of consultations was adequate, according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Only 27% of families had a "per capita" income above one minimum salary, although most had adequate housing and environmental conditions. The median duration of breast-feeding was 7.8 and of exclusive breast-feeding was 3.2 months. No association between anemia and income, early weaning, low-birth weight or undernutrition was found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia was extremely high, indicating the need for a specific monitoring system for the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia in this service.