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Article Type

Article

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a significant global health concern, particularly among adolescents. This study investigated the prevalence and contributing factors of IDA among adolescents at Al Hussain Teaching Hospital, addressing a critical knowledge gap in the Iraqi healthcare context. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 77 adolescent patients (ages 12-18 years) from October 01, 2024, to January 30, 2025. Data collection included hemoglobin levels, serum ferritin measurements, dietary iron intake assessment, and socioeconomic status evaluation. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and multivariate analysis to identify contributing factors. Results: The study revealed significant gender disparities in IDA prevalence, with females showing higher rates compared to males. Hemoglobin levels demonstrated a bimodal distribution, with anemic patients clustering below WHO-defined cutoff points (12 g/dL for females, 13 g/dL for males). Lower socioeconomic status strongly correlated with increased anemia prevalence. Dietary iron intake was significantly lower among anemic adolescents, and ferritin levels showed marked differences between anemic and non-anemic groups. The analysis identified key contributing factors: female gender, low family income, and inadequate dietary iron intake. Conclusion: This study highlights the multifactorial nature of IDA in adolescents, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions considering gender-specific risks and socioeconomic factors. Findings suggest the implementation of regular screening programs, nutritional education, and socioeconomic support systems to address this significant public health issue effectively.

Keywords

Iron deficiency anemia, Adolescents, Hemoglobin, Ferritin, Socioeconomic status, Dietary iron intake, Iraq

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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