title: Estimation of iron deficiency anemia in Iranian children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major health issue in those aged less than 18 years old with high impact on their development. There are several reports from Iran with variable results. Systematic review and met analysis of these data would reveal a more realistic view of the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID).
  
  
  
  We conducted a systematic search of national and international databases from December 1990 to 31 January 2016 for population-based studies providing estimates on the prevalence of IDA in Iran. From the extracted crude prevalence rates, the heterogenic index of the studies was determined using the Cochran's test (Q) and I2. Then, based on the heterogenetic results, a random effects model for estimate pooled prevalence of IDA was used. Meta-regression was applied to determine heterogeneity suspected factors.
  
  
  
  The overall prevalence of IDA in Iranian population with age less than 18 years was estimated to be 13.9% (95% CI: 10.8-17.1) and the overall prevalence of ID was 26.9% (95% CI: 19.7-34.1). The prevalence of IDA was 7.9% (95% CI: 4.1-11.7) in males and 8.5% (95% CI: 6.1-10.8) among females aged under than 18 years.
  
  
  
  Despite the efforts of ministry of health and medical education of Iran in implementing free iron supplements for infants and for girls, the prevalence of ID and resultant anemia is considerable. Further interventions to increase use of supplements when they are provided and special programs for non-covered groups including boys under six are in great need.
authors.affiliation: a Health Policy Research Center , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akbari
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Health , Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Iran.
authors.forename: Mahmood
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moosazadeh
authors.affiliation: a Health Policy Research Center , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tabrizi
authors.affiliation: c Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences , Torbat Heydariyeh , Iran.|d Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center , Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science , Tehran , Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Reza
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Khatibi
authors.affiliation: d Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center , Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science , Tehran , Iran.|e Department of Epidemiology , Faculty of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
authors.forename: Mahmoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khodadost
authors.affiliation: a Health Policy Research Center , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Taghi
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Heydari
authors.affiliation: f Physiology Research Center (PRC), Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naghibzadeh Tahami
authors.affiliation: a Health Policy Research Center , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran.
authors.forename: Kamran B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Lankarani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male
keywords: Iran; Iron deficiency; adolescents; children; iron deficiency anemia; meta-analysis