Evaluation of anemia in communities served by Shoulder to Shoulder Global: A cross-sectional study in Santo Domingo, Ecuador

Background Shoulder to Shoulder Global (STSG) recognizes anemia as a cause of morbidity among patients in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. Little research has been done to assess targetable anemia risk factors to serve as a foundation for future pharmacotherapeutic interventions. This study sought to characterize anemia in this population to lay the foundation for future preventive intervention. Methods Cross-sectional data obtained from existing clinic records from 2010 to 2016 included hemoglobin/hematocrit, age, sex, pregnancy status, and respective community. Chi-square compared means to examine risk factors associated with anemia. Logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) were used to estimate risk factors associated with anemia. Results Of the 1145 (86.2%) subjects with complete data for analysis, 67.2% were female, 33% were children under five, 1.6% were pregnant, and 42.8% were anemic. Subjects were distributed throughout the seven communities with 11.2% presenting from an indigenous community. Risk factors for anemia were age <5 years and presenting from the communities of Plan de Vivienda, Los Naranjos, or El Bua. Neither sex nor pregnancy were significantly associated risk factors with anemia. Conclusions Risk factors for anemia in this population have not previously been determined. In this study, risk factors were age group <5 years and presentation from three different communities. This study pioneered the use of an electronic medical record database in this setting. A limitation of the study is its observational cross-sectional design with a study population that allows for selection bias. Additional research should evaluate the effectiveness of STSG health interventions on anemia.