Behavior of elementary schoolchildren with iron deficiency anemia after iron therapy

Background Some studies had been performed to determine the association between iron status and children's behavior yet it is still controversial. Objective To investigate whether iron therapy has an effect on the behavior of children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Method A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Labuhan Batu on November 2006-April2007. IDA was defined as Hb < 12 g/dl, MCHC< 31%, ROW index > 220 and Mentzer index> 13. Elementary school children (6-12 years old) with IDA were randomly assigned to the treatment group with a daily therapy of 6 mg iron/kg/day or placebo group for three months. The subjects' behavior was evaluated with child behavior check list (CBCL) before and six months after intervention. Results After six months, 110 subjects completed the therapy. Scores of CBCL in iron group after intervention were internalizing 42.64 (SO 9.95), externalizing 37.13 (SO 9.04) & total score 38.24 (SO 10.20). There was significant decreased on externalizing and total problems score in the treatment group after intervention (P< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference on scores between groups. Conclusion Iron therapy had significantly decrease CBCL score on externalizing and total problems in the treatment group, however there was no significant difference on scores if compared with placebo group