Prevalence of Anemia in Iranian Children: Findings of a Clinical Screening Survey at School Entry

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine AND Child Growth and Development Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine AND Child Growth and Development Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 General Practitioner, Bureau of Population, Family, and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of School Health, Bureau of Health and Fitness, Ministry of Education, Tehran, Iran

5 Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz AND Bureau of Population, Family, and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Anemia is one of the most popular hygiene problems in the world which is accompanied by disturbance of growth and development, reduction of intelligence quotient, and education problems specially for children and teens. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia in students and to indentify the stricken and endangered people in Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, through students examination program, all of the first grade students in three school levels in all over the country were examined in aspect of different disturbances including anemia. Clinical signs of anemia in physical examination were considered as evidence of being anemic. Data collecting was done using registered information in students' health identity document (ID) cards.Findings: The prevalence of anemia was 4.5% for students, 5.5% for girls, 3.5% for boys, 4.6% in urban areas, and 4.1% in rural areas. Prevalence of anemia for the first grade students of primary, secondary, and high school was 4.8%, 4.5%, and 4.1%, respectively.Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia in students, especially in first grade of primary school, is worrying; this shows the importance of exact recognition and identification of endangered persons with wide- spread, steady and high-sensitive screening programs. Planning and performing suitable programs for prevention and treatment of disease in society and schools is essential, too.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 31, Issue 268 - Serial Number 268
November and December 2014
Pages 2209-2215

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 May 2013
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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