Prevalence and associated factors of iron deficiency anemia among female medical students
Keywords:
Prevalence, Iron deficiency, Iron deficiency anemia, Medical studentAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and associated factors among Thai female medical students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of healthy Thai female medical students, aged between 20 and 25 years, was conducted between June 2019 and February 2021. Sociodemographic data, dietary habits, menstrual pattern, history of blood donation and iron supplementation were obtained and venous blood samples were collected for complete blood count and serum ferritin level. Results: A total 128 female medical students participated in the study, and mean hemoglobin level was 12.6±0.928 g/dL. In the studied group, 14.1% of participants had anemia and IDA was the major cause with a prevalence of 7.8%, while the prevalence of anemia due to other causes was 6.2%. The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) without anemia was 3.9%. No statistically significant associated factors were found in this study. Conclusion: The prevalence of IDA among Thai female medical students was low: however, it was the most common cause of anemia and some indicated moderate anemia. Thus, health promotion and screening programs should be considered for IDA prevention and early detection among female medical students.
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