Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children 6 years in Birjand

Iron-deficiency anemia is seen frequently in children. It's most common cause anemia in infants and children worldwide which can causes classic symptoms and also central nervous system disorders. According to the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in neighbor countries and its negative complications which are sometime irremediable, this study was performed to assess prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in 6 years old children in Birjand. This descriptive-analytic cross- sectional study, 300 children were randomly chosen among the children referring to test stations at the time going to elementary schools. After parents agreed, demographic characteristic form was completed. The blood samples were obtained to determine CBC and Ferritin in the laboratory. Data was analyzed by descriptive, t-test and chi-square in the significant level α= 0.05. The results of this study showed that anemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children were 13.3%,28.3% and 10.3%, also the average of Hemoglobin, MCV and MCHC and Ferritin were 12.34, 79.48, 32.68 and 19.19. In this study there were significant difference between the average ofMCV in girls and boys (P=0.02). There were not significant relationships between the frequency of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia with sex, and also prevalence of iron deficiency anemia with low weight index. According to the prevalence of iron deficiency in the children and its complications, it is necessary to provide a comprehensive program to prevent the development of anemia and its complications.