Anaemia among 6 year old children in the United Arab Emirates.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is estimating the prevalence of anaemia among 6 year old children in United Arab Emirates (UAE).


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
All new entries school children aged 6-6.9 years in six Emirates of UAE for the school year 1994/1995. The total children included were 11,800 (92% of total entries).


METHODS
Haemoglobin concentration in blood. Anaemia was determined using WHO criteria (< 12 g/dl).


RESULTS
The total prevalence of anaemia was 31%. Boys were more susceptible than girls (P < 0.001), and national children were more likely to have anaemia than non-nationals (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the prevalence of anaemia has declined during 1981-1995, the current percentage of anaemia does not match with high socio-economic status and high coverage of health care in UAE.
Musaiger
A O
AO
Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, U.A.E. University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Abdulghafoor
A
A
Radwan
H
H
D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology