Defining anemia in a preadolescent ■ African American population ■

Preadolescents often have poor nutritional habits. Demands for rapid growth require essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence/incidence of anemia in this age group and to identify possible predictors of anemia in African American preadolescents. A retrospective chart review of 455 African American preadolescents enrolled in two school-based clinics was conducted. Thirty percent of the sample had hematocrit values below 37% for males and below 35% for females. These data showed that anemia is an understated problem among African American preadolescents. No identifiable predictors were found; therefore routine screening for anemia is an essential component of the preadolescent annual health examination.