Symptom panorama in upper secondary school students and symptoms related to iron deficiency. Screening with laboratory tests, questionnaire and interventional treatment with iron.
OBJECTIVE
To study symptom panorama in students, to identify undiagnosed iron deficiency, and to evaluate any changes in symptoms and laboratory test results after treatment with iron supplementation.


METHODS
Descriptive and prospective, interventional study.


METHODS
Healthcare in upper secondary school.


METHODS
Treatment with iron supplementation for a period of 3 months.


METHODS
Students in the first grade of one upper secondary school.


METHODS
Frequency of iron deficiency related to symptoms measured by a questionnaire (30 questions) on symptoms related to quality of life and 9 questions about diet and exercise.


RESULTS
Iron deficiency was diagnosed in 12% of the students (two or more abnormal laboratory tests) and in 61% of the students one or more laboratory tests were abnormal. Symptoms of vertigo/ dizziness were significantly more common in students with iron deficiency. After iron supplementation there was a significant increase in s-ferritin levels and a decrease in s-transferrin levels, with an accompanying significant reduction of the symptom scores of vertigo/dizziness, irritability, depressive symptoms, and indisposition.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms of vertigo/dizziness were significantly more common in students with iron deficiency. Iron supplementation reduced the symptoms of vertigo/dizziness, irritability, depressive symptoms, and indisposition.
Månsson
Jörgen
J
Aranässkolan, Kungsbacka, Sweden. jorgen@huslakarna-kungsbacka.se
Johansson
Gunilla
G
Wiklund
Mona
M
Baigi
Amir
A
Marklund
Bertil
B
D000293:Adolescent; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D004244:Dizziness / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D015444:Exercise; D005194:Family Practice; D005221:Fatigue / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012572:School Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014717:Vertigo / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis
D007501:Iron