Effect of visualization of continuous transcutaneous hemoglobin monitoring on iron intake in female university students.

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the impact of visualizing hemoglobin levels through continuous transcutaneous hemoglobin monitoring on iron intake among female university students. Methods: The study was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023 and involved 11 fourth-year female nursing students from Private University A. Transcutaneous hemoglobin levels were measured at baseline, as well as at 1 month and 2 months post-intervention. The Brief-Type Self-Administered Diet History Questionnaire (BDHQ) was administered at baseline and again at 2 months. Results: The mean transcutaneous hemoglobin levels (±standard deviation) were 12.8±1.1 g/dL at baseline, 12.5±1.0 g/dL at 1 month, and 13.0±1.0 g/dL at 2 months. A repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences among the measurements. Participants whose transcutaneous hemoglobin levels were below the mean at baseline or at 1 month tended to exhibit an increase in subsequent measurements. The mean change (± standard deviation) from baseline to 2 months demonstrated an increase of 0.3±1.1 g/dL in transcutaneous hemoglobin levels. The change in iron intake was 0.10±1.05 mg/day, with no statistically significant difference observed. A one-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences between grade levels. Conclusion: For students with low transcutaneous hemoglobin levels, continuous monitoring across three time points-baseline, 1 month, and 2 months-may effectively enhance transcutaneous hemoglobin levels; however, no association with iron intake was identified.