Retrospective analysis of school-age screenings conducted in a family medicineunit registered population

Retrospective analysis of school-age screenings conducted in a family medicine unit registered population AIM: In our country, as part of the 'School Health Protection and Improvement Program,' it is planned for children to undergo periodic health examinations by family physicians every year. In this study, we aimed to gain insights into the frequency of chronic diseases such as obesity, anemia, dyslipidemia, refractive errors, and dental caries in our region by examining the data from screenings conducted between 2020 and 2023. Additionally, we aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of these screenings in detecting existing diseases by comparing them with studies conducted in our country and worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study retrospectively analyzed school-age screenings conducted at the Catalköprü Family Health Center unit in Akyazı District, Sakarya Province, between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023. The heights, weights, BMI, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglyceride values, visual assessments, and oral dental health assessments of 862 children aged 5-18 were recorded. Percentile values and Z-scores of children's heights, weights, and BMIs were calculated according to age and gender. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20.0 software package. RESULTS: Of the children included in the study, 48.8% were male. When evaluated by age groups, 47.3% were between 5-9 years old, 41.9% were between 10-14 years old, and 10.8% were between 15-18 years old. According to BMI percentile values, 14% were overweight and 12% were obese. Anemia was detected in 8% of students, hypertriglyceridemia in 13.3%, high LDL-C in 5.1%, low HDL-C in 11.8%, eye pathology in 18.4%, and dental caries in 38.5% of students. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes the aim of family medicine to provide comprehensive health services, particularly highlighting the importance of preventive medicine practices in this context.