[Prevalence of anemia among schoolchildren in the province of Kenitra in Morocco].
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Aboussaleh
Youssef
Y
UFR Biologie humaine et santé des populations, Laboratoire de neurosciences et de nutrition, Composantes cognitivo-comportementales et épidémiologiques, Département de biologie, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kénitra, Morocco. abou85@hotmail.com
Ahami
Ahmed Omar Touhami
AO
Alaoui
Larbi
L
Delisle
Hélène
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009018:Morocco / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors