Predictors of health in children aged 2-9 in Noyemberyan Region of Tavoush Marz, Armenia

Abstract

Rationale and main goal: The Children’s Health Care Association (CHCA) conducted a health and nutritional survey among children aged 2-9 in 5 villages of the Noyemberyan region of Tavoush Marz, Armenia. CHCA sought to identify the main predictors of health as a key toward preventing disease. Design and methods: The cross-sectional analytical study enrolled 497 participants using a cluster convenience sampling design. For the analysis of the secondary data, the analytic sample was restricted into 421. Instruments were developed to systematically record caretaker, provider, and laboratory/clinical assessments. Results: SPSS and EpiInfo-2000 software were used to analyze the data. The most important predictors of health were higher family socioeconomic status (SES), maternal employment, and better children’s nutritional status. All other factors examined (maternal education and age, duration of breastfeeding, and family size) were confounded by SES and hemoglobin level. Conclusions: The findings suggest that programs that improve SES, nutritional status, and regional medical support will have the most impact on health. The World Bank/Government of Armenia Poverty Reduction Strategy already seeks to improve SES. Parental health education programs and integrated early childhood development strategies, including integrated management of childhood diseases (IMCI) and improved nutritional status of children, coupled with expanded screening programs and improved diagnostic support are still needed.