AGE AND GENDER CHARACTERISTICS OF QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS IN SCHOOLCHILDREN WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Abstract. The aim of this study was to assess age- and gender-related characteristics of quality of life indicators in schoolchildren diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 850 schoolchildren, of whom 400 were diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and 450 healthy children constituted the control group. Quality of life was assessed using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales questionnaire. The findings demonstrated significantly lower quality of life scores among children with iron deficiency anemia compared to their healthy peers. Increasing age was associated with a gradual decline in both physical and psychosocial health indicators. The lowest quality of life scores were observed among adolescents aged 15–18 years and among girls. These findings highlight the need to strengthen preventive, diagnostic, and health-promoting interventions for high-risk groups of children and adolescents.