ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and the etiology of the problem of anemia and vitamin A deficiency among primary school children, also to study the interrelation of iron and vitamin A, with each other and in relation to anthropometric measures. Using the multistage stratified random sample method, 1000 students were selected from primary schools in El-Sharkia governorate [500 were urban and 500 from rural area]. A questionnaire was used to assess the economic and social status. Medical examination was done for signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. Weight and height were measured for every student. Food intake was estimated using 24 hours recall method. A sub sample of one fourth of the studied children [250] subjected to blood sample to determine hemoglobin [Hb], serum ferritin [SF], and serum retinol levels. The study reported that anemia was prevalent among [48%] all over the governorate with more affection of rural sector compared to urban sector [53.6% versus 42.4%] [p=0.07]. While the prevafence of VAD was [14.8%] all over the governorate with more affection of rural sector compared to urban sector [15.2% versus 14.4%] [p=0.10]. The intake of iron and vit A were deficient compared to the recommended daily allowance RDA. [43.6%] of the sample got less than 50% of their iron RDA. Also more than half of the sample [55.2%] consumed less than75% of their RDA of vitamin A. The etiology of anemia is explained partially by iron deficiency as SF depletion was detected among 12.8%. Underweight is positively associated with anemia [p=0.00]. Stunting is positively associated with both anemia and VAD, 28.2% of stunted children, were anemic, and 56.4% showed VAD [p>0.05]. Denoting the important role of sound hemopoitic factors and Vit A for the prepubertal age growth. One third of the wasted students [33.3%] show association of anemia and VAD although not significant [p=0.4]. Our study showed that stunting, wasting and underweight prevalence were 15.6% and 6.0% and 6.0% respectively the rural sector shows almost always a higher magnitude of each problem. Our results suggest that anemia is an important health problem in El Sharkia Governorate among school-aged children. The etiology cannot be explained solely by iron deficiency. Anemia was independently related to vitamin A status in stunted students. Vit A deficiency comprises a health problem in rural areas of El Sharkia Governorate. Intervention programs with special implication for micronutrients like iron and vit A should be applied to the school aged children and their families. Proper school feeding programs in which iron and vit A should be taken into consideration, Population awareness on nutrition should be aroused by media to promote regular consumption of iron and vitamin A rich foods. In addition, it is desirable to improve the production of enriched common food with iron and vitamin A with proper dissemination to such an important age group