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Is Infant/Toddler Anemia a Problem across Rural China? A Mixed-Methods Analysis

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  • Lei Wang

    (International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China
    Center for Experimental Economics of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China)

  • Yonglei Sun

    (Center for Experimental Economics of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China)

  • Buyao Liu

    (Center for Experimental Economics of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China)

  • Lijuan Zheng

    (Center for Experimental Economics of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China)

  • Mengjie Li

    (International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China)

  • Yu Bai

    (Center for Experimental Economics of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China)

  • Annie Osborn

    (Rural Education Action Project, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, CA, USA)

  • Maggie Lee

    (Rural Education Action Project, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, CA, USA)

  • Scott Rozelle

    (Rural Education Action Project, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, CA, USA)

Abstract

In the past, iron-deficiency anemia in children has had a widespread presence in rural China. Given the recent economic growth in China, it is unclear if anemia among infants/toddlers remains a problem. The objective of this study is to measure the anemia rate in rural Chinese infants/toddlers across four major subpopulations and attempt to discover the sources of anemia. We use a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data on 2909 rural Chinese infants/toddlers and their families with qualitative interviews with 84 caregivers of infants aged 6 to 30 months. Quantitative analysis indicates that the overall prevalence of anemia (43%) within sampled infants/toddlers was high, especially in comparison to the low rates of stunting (2–5%), being underweight (2%), and wasting (2–4%). These findings suggest that in rural China, anemia stems from the poor quality of the diets of infants/toddlers, rather than insufficient quantities of food being consumed. Qualitative analysis illustrates the factors that are contributing to anemia. Caregivers do not understand the causes of this condition, the symptoms that would lead one to recognize this condition, or the steps needed to treat their child with this condition. The findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the limited awareness of anemia among rural Chinese caregivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei Wang & Yonglei Sun & Buyao Liu & Lijuan Zheng & Mengjie Li & Yu Bai & Annie Osborn & Maggie Lee & Scott Rozelle, 2018. "Is Infant/Toddler Anemia a Problem across Rural China? A Mixed-Methods Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:9:p:1825-:d:165444
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lei Wang & Mengjie Li & Sarah-Eve Dill & Yiwei Hu & Scott Rozelle, 2019. "Dynamic Anemia Status from Infancy to Preschool-Age: Evidence from Rural China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Yunwei Chen & Sean Sylvia & Sarah-Eve Dill & Scott Rozelle, 2022. "Structural Determinants of Child Health in Rural China: The Challenge of Creating Health Equity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-12, October.

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