A Survey On The Interrelationships of Iron Deficiency Anemia, Infections and Educational Achievement In Schoolchildren

Abstract

The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, and parasitic infestations, menstruation, widespread of infectional diseases, growth and development and educational achievement interrelationships were investigated in 10 -12 years old schoolchildren. 35.8 % of the children had iron - deficiency anemia and 42.5 % had various kinds o f parasite eggs in the faeces. 10.9 % of the girls had menstruation and 40.9 % of the children had infections by physical examination. Statistically significance were found between iron deficiency anemia and menstruation (P < 0.01), infectional iiseases (P < 0.01). and educational achievement (P < 0.01). The differences betvveen anemia and parasites, cognitive ability, weight and height were not significant. In the prevention of the problem nutrition education, decreasing the occurence of infectious diseases by increasing immunocompetence, and increasing the consumption of vitamin C in the diets were recommended.