Assessing Iron-deficiency Anemia among Female University Students in a Single Center

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gynecological and nutritional factors are key contributors to the development of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in women. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess IDA among female university students in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1100 female university students and staff were surveyed from August to November 2024. Participants completed questionnaires and had blood samples drawn (5 mL each in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and serum separator tube (SST) tubes), which were analyzed for complete blood count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity using Beckman Coulter instruments. The data were analyzed using 2025 JMP, v. 18, for descriptive and Chi-square statistics. SAMPLE SIZE: Sample size was 1100 participants. RESULTS: The study included 1081 participants, predominantly aged 18–25 years (95%), Saudi nationals (98%), undergraduates (77%), and single (99%). Iron deficiency was prevalent among the participants (60%), with 20% reporting having anemia. Of the 20% with confirmed anemia, 84.3% were iron-deficient; only 15.7% had normal serum iron levels with different types of anemia. Menstrual patterns varied: 83% reported having regular cycles; 97% having a cycle each month; and 88% normal flow. Menstrual frequency and duration significantly impacted iron status and anemia type ( P < 0.05). Dietary intake significantly iron status, with regular meat consumers showing higher normal iron levels (43%), while green leafy vegetable consumers had higher iron deficiency (59%). CONCLUSIONS: Prompt clinical intervention for conditions such as increased menstrual frequency and prolonged menstrual duration, coupled with the inclusion of iron-rich sources in the diet, particularly meat, is critical for the prevention of IDA. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design.