AI Article Synopsis
- Anemia is a significant public health issue, particularly affecting pregnant women and schoolchildren, with this study focusing on preadolescents in Morocco where over 30% were found to be anemic.
- Factors influencing anemia include diet diversity and living conditions, with a notable higher prevalence in urban areas, but no link was found between anemia and school performance.
- The study emphasizes the need for improved health systems in schools to address the high rates of anemia and suggests that schools can play a key role in prevention and intervention efforts.
Article Abstract
Unlabelled: Anemia is a widespread public health problem in developed and developing nations, and its prevalence is highest among pregnant women. In developing countries, schoolchildren constitute the population with the next-highest prevalence. Because there are few studies of anemia in schoolchildren in Morocco, this study aimed to determine its prevalence and its risk factors among preadolescents. We recruited 306 pupils from seven primary schools; blood samples were taken with their parents' or guardians' consent. We also collected anthropometric data, information about social and demographic characteristics (parent questionnaire) and school attendance and performance.
Results: More than 30% of these children had anemia: prevalence did not differ by sex, but was higher among those living in urban environments. Factors related to food behavior, especially diet diversity, appeared to be important. Our results found no relation between anemia and school performance. In the future more detailed cognitive tests should be used for this type of study.
Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among schoolchildren is high in the province of Kénitra, and the school health system is weak. Decision-makers have recently become aware of the need for an integrated approach to this age group: schools offer an opportunity for prevention and cure.
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