Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among medical students in AL-Iraqia College of Medicine, correlation with socioeconomic and physiological conditions

Background: Particularly among women, iron deficiency can be defined as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in humans. The purpose of the presented work is to ascertain the prevalence of iron deficiency among medical students at Al-Iraqi University College of Medicine and how it relates to socioeconomic status, nutrition, and education. Methods: Data was gathered via a questionnaire that assessed general information about the 100 randomly chosen medical students, such as their socioeconomic level, weight, the regularity of their menstrual cycle, and nutritional state. MCH, MCV, and red cell counts have been measured in blood samples at the Hb level. Serum ferritin levels were assessed as an IDA indicator. Results: This cross-sectional study involved 100 College of Medicine students. The patients had an average age of 20.34 ± 0.84 years; 66% of them were female; 78% of them had a healthy nutritional pattern; 78% of them had a normal weight; and 60% of the females had a regular menstrual cycle. Females with normal or underweight menstruation (48.5%, P=0.007), as well as those with irregular (heavy) menstruation (78.6%, P=0.012), had the highest prevalence of IDA.
 Conclusion: The prevalence of IDA was found to be significantly higher in females with heavy (irregular) menstruation and underweight or normal weight. The results suggest that teaching medical students about healthy iron-containing diets, especially those that improve iron absorption, might help prevent IDA.