Iron deficiency anemia in post-bariatric surgery patients: A retrospective study at Baghdad teaching hospital, 2024

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common complication among bariatric surgery patients, attributed to changes in digestion and absorption. With the rising rates of obesity and bariatric procedures, evaluating IDA prevalence and identifying risk factors are crucial for optimizing management strategies. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study, conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital's gastrointestinal clinic from January 15 to June 15, 2024, assessed IDA in adults post-bariatric surgery. The study included 60 patients with comprehensive pre- and post-surgery records who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or duodenal switch procedures between 6 months and 5 years prior. Data were collected through interviews and medical record reviews, covering demographics, surgery type, comorbidities, and iron levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with a significance level set at p