ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 1, No. 2, February 2010 | pp. 9–16
DOI: 10.46882/2010/IJH/000002
Original Article
Title: Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and its correlation with cognitive function in primary school children
Names of Authors: G. H. Adeleke¹, I. J. Nwosu², K. L. Balogun³
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Paediatrics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; ²Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; ³Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Abstract: Iron deficiency anemia remains a major public health concern affecting childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 primary school children aged 6 to 11 years in urban and rural primary schools. Hemoglobin levels, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation parameters were measured alongside standardized cognitive and psychometric testing using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 24.4% (78 of 320 children), with higher vulnerability noted in rural cohorts. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between serum ferritin concentrations and aggregate cognitive performance scores (r = 0.42, P < 0.01). Children with established iron deficiency anemia scored significantly lower in working memory and processing speed indices compared to non-anemic counterparts. Supplemental iron intervention modeling indicated potential reversibility of cognitive deficits upon prompt hematologic recovery. The data emphasize routine nutritional screening programs and integrated school health interventions to mitigate cognitive impairment linked to early-life microcytic anemias.
Keywords: Iron deficiency, anemia, cognitive function, school children, ferritin
Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 02, 2009; Revised: December 14, 2009; Accepted: January 04, 2010; Published: February 12, 2010