Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia is the most common public health problem in the world. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in primary school children in Samsun city center.

METHODS

This study was conducted on a total of 403 children aged between 7 and 14 years of primary school education. The children in the study were divided into cities, suburbs and villages according to the settlement. Blood samples were taken for routine hemogram analysis, serum iron, iron binding capacity and serum ferritin levels at school visits.

RESULTS

A total of 403 healthy children, 172(42.7%) male and 231(57.3%) female. The mean age of our cases was 10.3±2.1 years. 7-11 years old and 12-14 years old. In our study the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 9.4% (n=38) and the prevalence of iron deficiency was 28.5%(n=115). According to the age groups, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was found to be 6.6%(n=18) and 15.5% (n=20) in the age group of 12 to 14years. (p<0.05). The prevalence of iron deficiency was found 29.9%(n=82) between 7-11 years and 25.6%(n=33) between 12-14 years of age (p>0.05). Iron deficiency anemia was detected more frequently in the suburbs (p<0.05). There was no difference between the educational level of the parents and the incidence of Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (p>0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia continue to be a public health problem for our country. It is necessary to take preventive measures and carry out large-scale work.