ArticleInternational health2026
Predictors of iron status among preschool-age children in Malawi: insights from a micronutrient survey.
Article in International health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Machine learning models for predicting childhood anemia in Mozambique: analysis from national survey data.BMC pediatrics · 2026Article
- The association between women's empowerment in agriculture and child stunting in Malawi.Scientific reports · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundPoor iron status is a common nutritional condition affecting preschool-age children (PSC) in low-income countries like Malawi. This study aimed to examine the determinants of iron deficiency (ID), functional iron deficiency (FID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among Malawian PSC.
methodsThe study analysed data from the 2015-2016 Malawi Micronutrients Survey, which collected information from a nationally representative sample of PSC across Malawi. Iron status was evaluated through biochemical markers, including serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors and haemoglobin levels. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors associated with iron status.
resultsThe prevalence of ID was 19.6%, FID was 50.3% and IDA was 4.7%. Males had higher odds of both ID and FID compared with females. Children <36 months of age were at significantly greater risk for ID, FID and IDA compared with children ages 48-59 months. Additionally, children referred for clinical malaria or those with inflammation were more likely to have ID and FID compared with those children who did not. Underweight children had a higher risk of both ID and IDA compared with children who were well nourished. Living in rural areas or the southern region of Malawi further increased the likelihood of developing ID compared with children from urban areas and the northern region.
conclusionsThe study emphasizes the need for comprehensive healthcare initiatives addressing nutritional deficiencies and malaria prevention in vulnerable groups, particularly young children in rural areas.
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