Study on the Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Anemia among Three Ethnic Minorities in the Southwest Border Area of China

Abstract Anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. At present, anemia is still one of the serious nutrition-related diseases in China. This study aimed to conduct an exploratory investigation of the prevalence and factors related to anemia among three ethnic minorities in the Southwest Border Area of China. Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to conduct field questionnaire and physical examination for resident of ethnic minorities aged 15 years or above. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration level less than 120 g/L in non-pregnant women and less than 130 g/L in men. Participants over 55 had a higher risk of anemia than those aged 17–34. More than 7 hours of outdoor activities during the daytime in the winter was associated with a reduced risk of anemia. Alcohol drinking and central obesity was associated with increased hemoglobin and red blood cells.