The incidence of anemia in an Israeli population: a population analysis for anemia in 34,512 Israeli infants aged 9 to 18 months.

Objectives: The purpose of this work was to use the comprehensive computerized database of Clalit Health Services to analyze the prevalence and contributing factors of anemia among the population of Clalit Health Services-insured Israeli infants aged 9 to 18 months, characterized by ethnic sector.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study for the year 2003 using the computerized database of Clalit Health Services for 34,512 infants aged 9 to 18 months insured by the Clalit Health Services sick fund. Children with abnormal white blood counts at the time of the hemoglobin test and with chronic diseases were excluded.