Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and its impact on children and adolescents iron status, mental health and school performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis in sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of weekly iron-folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) on the nutrition, health and educational outcomes of children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis was used.

Data sources

Five databases, namely, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar, were systematically searched for relevant articles up to 23 August 2023.

Eligibility criteria

It was focused on randomised controlled trials involving children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, exploring the effects of iron supplementation on various outcomes, such as serum ferritin and haemoglobin levels, anaemia, mental health and school performance.

D

SUBMITTER: Kedir S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11168171 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature