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The effect of a school-based weekly iron supplementation delivery system among anemic schoolchildren in the Philippines

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 62, pages 991–996 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the effect of a school-based weekly iron supplementation delivery system (WISDS) on the prevalence of anemia among anemic schoolchildren.

Subjects and methods:

Two hundred and forty-two Filipino schoolchildren aged 6–12 years with hemoglobin (Hb) concentration <12 g/dl and enrolled for school year 2003–2004. UNICEF iron-folate tablets containing 60 mg elemental iron and 0.40 mg folic acid were given weekly through directly observed supplementation by the teachers for 27 weeks. Compliance to iron supplementation was monitored by the teachers and was recorded using a monitoring form and a supplementation calendar. Hb concentration, weight and height were determined at baseline and at post-intervention.

Results:

At post-intervention, the participants' mean Hb concentration increased by 0.4 g/dl (95% confidence interval =0.3, 0.5 g/dl; P<0.0001), anemia prevalence was reduced by 53.7, and 84.3% of the participants had 100% compliance to supplementation.

Conclusions:

The school-based WISDS reduced anemia prevalence among anemic schoolchildren and resulted in high compliance to and coverage of iron supplementation.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the support and assistance of the Cebu Provincial Health Office, Compostela Municipal Health Office and the Department of Education, Compostela District Office. We also thank the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Early Childhood Development Project for funding assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Social Science Research Division, Nutrition Center of the Philippines, Taguig City, Philippines

    M G D Risonar, L W Tengco, P Rayco-Solon & F S Solon

Authors
  1. M G D Risonar
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  2. L W Tengco
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  3. P Rayco-Solon
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  4. F S Solon
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M G D Risonar.

Additional information

Contributors: MGDR was responsible for the management of the project, data analysis and writing of the manuscript. LWT was involved in the conception and design of the study. PR-S was involved in the data analysis and interpretation. FSS initiated the study and was responsible for the overall conception and design of the study. LWT, PR-S and FSS reviewed the manuscript. All authors approved the manuscript.

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Risonar, M., Tengco, L., Rayco-Solon, P. et al. The effect of a school-based weekly iron supplementation delivery system among anemic schoolchildren in the Philippines. Eur J Clin Nutr 62, 991–996 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602809

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