The Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia Among Indigenous (Orang Asli) Children in Peninsular Malaysia: A Systematic Review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Abstract
Low- and lower-middle-income countries bear the greatest burden of anemia, particularly those living in rural settings such as an indigenous community. The objective of this systematic review is to recognize the prevalence of anemia and its determinants among the Orang Asli children in Peninsular Malaysia. A web-based search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and ProQuest from January 2000 to June 2022, using specified search/MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms and keywords, was conducted. The search identified studies reported the prevalence of anemia among the children of Orang Asli and its causes. Eight studies were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of anemia among the Orang Asli children was high (61.6%). Most research has focused primarily on iron-deficiency anemia and soil-transmitted helminth infections. Other causes include female gender, mothers with low education levels, and low household incomes. Despite being a public health concern, this study found no studies associating Orang Asli children with hereditary anemia and malaria, which is a limitation. In conclusion, the Orang Asli children are more likely to have anemia compared with the general Malaysian population. To overcome this, a comprehensive examination of the determinants of anemia in this community is required. Thus, interventions can be personalized.
Keywords
anemia, iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), soil-transmitted helminths (STH), Orang Asli, children, Malaysia
Divisions
Socialprevent
Funders
Impact Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant (IIRG) University of Malaya (IIRG001B-2022SAH)
Publication Title
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume
36
Issue
5
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher Location
2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA