ISSN 2756-3812
International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 15 (1), pp. 001-007, January, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Assessing Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Female University Students
Fatin Al-Sayes1*, Mamdooh Gari2, Safaa Qusti3, Nadiah Bagatian3 and Adel Abuzenadah2
1Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 2Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Accepted 11 November, 2023
Abstract
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional problem in many parts of the world and the most common cause of anemia in Saudi Arabia especially among female. Accordingly, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among apparently healthy Saudi young female university students studying at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah province. Three hundred ten blood samples were collected from the students. Their ages ranged between (18 and 23) years. The data collected consisted of two sections: (A) included socio-demographic data on students such as age, height, weight, social habits, diseases symptoms, menstrual, dietary, and medical history and (B) consisted of laboratory results carried out on each subject. 50.2% of students were normal and hence considered as control group. 25.9% of students had deficient iron store and 23.9% of students had iron deficiency anemia. There was a significant correlation between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia with inadequate meat intake and impaired exercise capacity. Furthermore, pallor and past medical history of iron deficiency anemia were statically significant variables. Therefore, it is recommended to use screening and educational programs for iron deficiency anemia among female as high risk groups. Iron supplement and food iron fortification are required in order to overcome this simple but common health problem.
Key words: Iron deficiency anemia, deficiency, female at university stage, socio demographic data.