prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in 4-6 years old children of kindergardens at Rafsanjan city in 2006

ABSTRACT

Iron deficiency is the most common etiological factor of the anemia and also the most common nutritional deficiency in children. The iron deficiency anemia is prevalent in 9-24 months babies due to accelerated growth rate and lack of supplemental iron in their diet. This anomaly leads to growth, psychological, immunological and educational problems in children. Diagnosis of the anemia is quite accidental in children before the school age. This study evaluates the iron deficiency anemia in children aged 4-6 years old [y/o]. A cross-sectional study on 560 childrens [aged 4-6 y/o] was done at kindergardens of Rafsanjan City. The sampling method was achieved in randomized, clustered and classified forms. After an informational session with parents and recieving their written consent, a questionnaire including anemic symptoms and nutritional habits was completed. The blood sample of each child was obtained to evaluate Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, serum Iron and T1BC. All data were then analyzed with SPSS Software. Of the total children samples 48.2% of were male and 51.8% of them were female. The prevalence of anemia in investigated population was 11.1% which was not related to the age and sex of the child. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 5.18%, which was not also related to the age and sex of the child. There were higher incidence of anemia among children who didn't have an appropriate nutritional education for children. Iron deficiency anemia in 4-6 y/o children of kindergardens of Rafsanjan City is less than other developed regions. Good preventive measures for anemia along with parental education for appropriate diet and taking iron supplements are strongly recommended