The Prevalence of Anemia among School Students in a National Screening Program in Iran

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Direcor General, Family Health, Population and School Health Bureau, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

2 Director General of Health and Physical Activity and Prevention of Social Hazards, Ministry of Education and Training, Tehran, Iran

3 Senior Expert of Youth and School Health Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

4 Head of Adolescents, Youth and School Health Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

5 Specialist in Community and Preventive Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 Research assistant, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

7 Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center,Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Anemia affects child development and limits their social activity, education and future life. In this study, the prevalence of anemia is determined among school aged children in a screening program. Background: All first and third grade students in primary schools, first grade students in secondary schools related to Iranian universities of medical science were selected. The data were gathered by universities in 1386. Methods: The prevalence of anemia was 1.8% and 2.4% in first grade and third grade students in primary schools. It was 1.6% in first grade students in secondary schools. The high prevalence was reported from Tehran, Shahid beheshti and Iran Universities of medical science. Findings: It is considered more detailed interventions are necessary especially in high prevalence regions to determine the different types of anemia and their risk factors. Conclusion: Screening, Anemia, School children, Iran Key words: