Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among School Children in Salfeet District

A cross-sectional study conducted in the second semester of the academic year 2005 to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in school children aged 6 to 18 years, who live in the district of Salfeet in the West Bank area of Palestine. The study sample consisted of 144(49.7 %) male students, and 146 (50.3 %) female students. Complete blood count (CBC) was performed and blood samples with main corpuscular volume (MCV) value less than 80um³(FL) were subjected to serum iron test. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 26.7% (12.7% with anemia, and 14% without anemia). The prevalence of iron deficiency among females was 30.5%, and among males was (21.6%). Iron deficiency was apparent in all studied age groups. The prevalence of 32.4% was observed among the age group 6- 8 years, 35.3% among age group 9-11 years, 25.9% among 12-14 years and 12.1% among 15-18 years old. Differences in prevalence rates were statistically significant (P= 0.01 at D = 0.05). According to place of residency, there was statistically significant difference between the overall prevalence of iron deficiency among children living in villages compared to children living in the city (22.8% versus 32.6% respectively, P < 0.01). There was no clear link between family size and iron deficiency. With respect to prevalence of iron deficiency and family income, no significant difference was observed (24.9% low income; 28.1% with medium and 30.2% with high income. In general, improper daily healthy practices and poor knowledge regarding iron rich nutrients and its absorption found. Previous history of other diseases seems to contribute to the highly observed prevalence rate of IDA. To effectively face these deficiencies it is necessary to think about the possibilities and cost effectiveness of fortifying foodstuffs (floor, salt, milk) and it is essential to carry out nutritional education activities to improve children and parents awareness and knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia and its consequence.