This investigation was carried out (during March and April 2003) as an
attempt to clarify the effect of nutritional status on the incidence of the iron deficiency
anemia among school children of Assiut University Schools (81 boys and 30 girls.
aged from 10 to 15 years old). The nutritional status for school children included data
about haemoglobin concentration (Hg g/dl), red cell count (RBC's count), white cell
count (WBC count), red cell volume (haematocrit value, HCT), mean red cell volume
(MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
and blood platlets (PL T); and anthropometric measurements, height, weight, body
mass index (BMI), arm circumference (AC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), waist.
hump and chest were measured. A questionnaire schedule was given to the school
children to assess their demographic data, income. socio-economic status, obtained
diets and beverages. food fads and habits. nutritional knowledge as well as their
acquaintance with dietetic and food regime. The obtained data revealed that. all the
studied anthropometric measurements for both studied sexes in the three schools of
Assiut University were below the corresponding anthropometric reference data.
Furthermore, the mean blood values for both sexes school children were under the
optimal international levels. The obtained data illustrated noticeable low haematocrit
and haemoglobin (red blood cell measures) and small red blood cell as signs for iron
deficiency anemia in all studied school children of both sexes. In conclusion results
confirmed that the nutritional status of the three studied schools children (both sexes)
was rather poor. despite the rather high socio-economic conditions and high income
of the children's parents. Such findings need extensive improvement in these school
children nutritional status. This could be accomplished by providing iron rich, protein
rich diet in any form during school day. Likewise, providing all people with simplified
knowledge on nutrition and its relationship to human health and welfare.