Global prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among children aged 5–12 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) can lead to impairment of immunity, cognitive function, and poorer academic performance. Current health policies worldwide focus primarily on IDA prevention among preschoolers and women, overlooking school-aged children (aged 5-12 years) as a susceptible group. Through this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the prevalence of IDA among this population. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and EBSCO Open Dissertation from inception until July 2023 for English-language observational studies reporting on the prevalence of IDA children aged 5-12. We calculated the pooled prevalence using a random-effect model and performed subgroup analyses by regions, countries' income, and diagnostic criteria. We assessed the study quality using Hoy's risk of bias tool. Results: = 99.6%). Subgroup analyses indicated moderate public health concerns among sub-Saharan Africa (21.9%) and South Asia (15.8%), or among low-income (29.7%) and lower-middle-income (24.5%) countries. Conclusions: IDA is an important public health issue among children aged 5-12 years globally which even poses a significant concern in some populations or regions. Our findings could guide the development of national detection strategies and health prevention programmes targeted at improving children's health and educational outcomes. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022335700).