Anemic Students Research Articles

Anemia and its Effect on the Scholastic Performance of Fifth Grade School Children

Aim: To study the effect of anemia on the academic performance of fifth grade students, Study design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Place and duration of study: Local schools in Abbottabad from January to June 2018. Methods: Study subjects were fifth grade students who were randomly divided into two groups based on their hemoglobin (Hb) levels. First group, which was control group, had 40 students with Hb levels ≥ 10.0 gm/dL while second group, which was anemic group, consisted of 40 anemic students who had Hb levels < 10.0 gm/dL. Hemoglobin levels were estimated using 03 cc of blood in EDTA containing vials using aseptic technique and using standard method. Academic performance was assessed based on the scores obtained using tests (both objective and subjective) in the subjects of English, Math and Urdu. Results: Mean Hb levels were 14.5gm/dL in control group while it was 9.45gm/dL in case of anemic group. There was a significant association between anemia and the academic performance of the students. Average test score of control subjects was 96.23 while mean score for anemic subjects was 76.35. This showed that the students in control group had performed significantly well as compared to that in anemic group (p value 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between anemia and scholastic performance of the students wherein anemia affects their educational performance. Therefore, nutritional supplementation programs should be initiated particularly at primary school levels so as to avoid the detrimental effects of micronutrient deficiency particularly iron on cognition and education and which in turn will lead to better educational performance and achievement. Keywords: Anemia, school, performance, scholastic

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Vitis vinifera soaks on Hemoglobin Level among Anemic Students in a Selected Colleges at Vellore

An experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of vitis vinifera soak on hemoglobin level among anemic students in selected colleges at Vellore. Quantitative evaluative approach was used for this study and the researcher adopted a true experimental research design. The sample was conducted among 60 anemic students in selected colleges at Vellore, in which 30 were in experimental group and 30 were in control group. The sample was selected by using Probability simple random sampling technique with lottery method. The researcher adopted Kristen M. Swanson theory as a conceptual framework. There are six different hypothesis were tested in this study. The Structured interview schedule was used to collect the demographic and clinical variable. Sahli’s hemoglobinometer was used to assess the hemoglobin level. Experimental group received intervention of vitis vinifera soak for 21 days in the morning and control group advised to follow daily routine and no intervention is given. In both groups, on 22nd day the researcher was conducted post test by using same tool. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the mean post test score in control group was 9.29 where as in experimental group the mean post test score was 9.82, the mean difference was 0.53. The obtained ‘t’ value was 2.24 which was statistically significant (P<0.01). These findings revealed that the students in experimental group had increased hemoglobin level after administering vitis vinifera soak compared to the control group.

ESTIMATION OF PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA, VITAMIN B12, VITAMIN D & FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY IN FIRST YEAR MBBS STUDENTS OF A TERTIARY MEDICAL COLLEGE IN EASTERN INDIA

Medical students are more vulnerable to develop nutritional anemia ( i.e. haemoglobin, iron , vit B12, folate deciency) & vitamin D deciency due to irregular eating habits & hectic study schedule. Anemia among this age group has signicant health consequences ( e.g. poor cognition, decreased attention span , depressed immunity, repeated infections, increased fatigue etc) . So the present study was planned to ascertain the prevalence of anemia , iron , folic acid ,vit B12 & D deciency among young adult female & male st medical 1 year MBBS students of Medical College Kolkata,( batch 2019-2020) ,West Bengal,India and to suggest intervention strategies. 63 % & 37% female & male students respectively were found to be anaemic & low level of hemoglobin is signicantly associated with type of family as 22% of study subject's belonged to joint family and 78% subjects belong to nuclear family. (p=0.002) & there came out to be no signicant association between socio-economic status and anemia (p=0.213) . Among these subjects with anemia 12 had iron deciency . Serum folic acid levels were normal in the 100 study subjects . 30% students had low serum levels of vitamin B12 , and there was no gender preference (9 suffered from severe deciency, 21 students were in low normal range) . In this study, moderate Vitamin D deciency was found to be present in 42% subjects, mild insufciency in 57% subjects, and adequate serum Vitamin D levels in just 1%. Periodical and routine health check-up and haemoglobin estimation of the students at the time of entrance to Medical Colleges should be done. Iron and folic acid tablets and deworming drugs in therapeutic doses should be provided to the anaemic students. Students should be motivated and educated to take balanced diet, rich in green leafy vegetables and fruits.

Prevalence of Anemia and Use of Iron Supplements in MBBS Students of CMH Lahore Medical College

Background: Iron deficiency anemia afflicts masses of all ages, worldwide. The disease tends to be prominent in the adolescence, students being more vulnerable due to their dynamic lifestyle, dietary habits and demanding growth spurt. Use of iron supplements can greatly reduce the burden of disease and associated morbidity. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anemia and use of iron supplements in MBBS students of CMH Medical College, Lahore. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in CMH Medical College, Lahore. A predesigned questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding use of iron supplements. Afterwards, hemoglobin level was measured using conventional Sahli’s method. The collected data was analyzed with SPSS 25 software. Results with p value < 0.05 were taken as significant. Results: Mean hemoglobin level was found to be 14.3±1.3 g/dL in males and 11.6±1.4 g/dL in females. Prevalence of anemia was found to be 38.7%. Anemia was found to be more prevalent in female students (57.8%) as compared to the male students (14.9%). Difference between prevalence of anemia in hostellites and day scholars was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.17). Frequency of anemia was observed to be significantly higher in students who did not use oral iron supplements (p=0.03). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is more common in female students than male students, of CMH Medical College Lahore. Majority of the anemic students do not take oral iron supplements. There is no difference in the prevalence of anemia among hostellites and day scholars. MeSH words: anemia, hemoglobin, iron supplements

Screening of β-thalassemia carriers in high school students in Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate

ObjectiveTo identify the prevalence of β-thalassemia carriers among secondary school children for the prevention program of β-thalassemia and to update carrier rate data in Menoufia Governorate.Backgroundβ-thalassemia is the most prevalent hereditary disorder and is particularly prevalent among the Mediterranean people, and this geographical association is responsible for its naming.Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 303 high school students aged 15–18 years from Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt (62% women and 38% men). They were subjected to full history taking and clinical examination. Laboratory investigation included complete blood count, and serum ferritin level. High-performance liquid chromatography was done for samples with normal or high serum ferritin level.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anemia among the studied students was 38%. Microcytic type was the most common and represented 57% of anemic students. Men have higher mean hemoglobin values than women in different age groups. Three (1%) students of the total studied students were diagnosed to have the β-thalassemia trait. Moreover, there was a significant difference in ferritin level between β-thalassemia carriers and students diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. The mean value of hemoglobin A2 in students with β-thalassemia trait was 5.56 ± 0.42%.ConclusionThe prevalence of β-thalassemia carriers in high schools was about 1%. A full blood count with microcytosis, together with normal or high serum ferritin level, and hemoglobin A2 more than 3.5% were considered enough for the identification of β-thalassemia carriers in a screening process.

ESTIMATION OF PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA, VITAMIN B12, FOLIC ACID & VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN FIRST YEAR MBBS STUDENTS OF A TERTIARY MEDICAL COLLEGE IN EASTERN INDIA

Medical students are more vulnerable to develop nutritional anemia ( i.e. haemoglobin, iron , vit B12, folate deficiency) & vitamin D deficiency due to irregular eating habits & hectic study schedule. Anemia among this age group has significant health consequences ( e.g. poor cognition, decreased attention span , depressed immunity, repeated infections, increased fatigue etc) . So the present study was planned to ascertain the prevalence of anemia , iron , folic acid ,vit B12 & D deficiency among young adult female & male medical 1st year MBBS students of Medical College Kolkata,( batch 2019-2020) ,West Bengal,India and to suggest intervention strategies. 63 % & 37% female & male students respectively were found to be anaemic & low level of hemoglobin is significantly associated with type of family as 22% of study subject’s belonged to joint family and 78% subjects belong to nuclear family. (p=0.002) & there came out to be no significant association between socio-economic status and anemia (p=0.213) . Among these subjects with anemia 12 had iron deficiency . Serum folic acid levels were normal in the 100 study subjects . 30% students had low serum levels of vitamin B12 , and there was no gender preference (9 suffered from severe deficiency, 21 students were in low normal range) . In this study, moderate Vitamin D deficiency was found to be present in 42% subjects, mild insufficiency in 57% subjects, and adequate serum Vitamin D levels in just 1%. Periodical and routine health check-up and haemoglobin estimation of the students at the time of entrance to Medical Colleges should be done. Iron and folic acid tablets and deworming drugs in therapeutic doses should be provided to the anaemic students. Students should be motivated and educated to take balanced diet, rich in green leafy vegetables and fruits.

Anemia and its risk determinants among young adults: A university-based study of Bangladesh

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk determinants of anemia among young adults (university students) in Bangladesh.
 Methods: A total of 150 students aged 18 years were randomly selected from Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh. Data on students' socio-demographic information, hygiene practices, and dietary intakes were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. A blood sample was taken from the students to estimate the hemoglobin level. The students having hemoglobin levels below 13.0 gm/dl for males and 12.0 gm/dl for females were considered anemic. All categorical variables were compared using the chisquare test and regression analysis.
 Results: The mean (+/-SD) age of the total students was 21.44 (+/-1.64) years. Among 150 students, 46.7 % (n = 70) were males and 53.3 % (n = 80) were females. Of these (n = 150), 22 % (n = 33) were diagnosed as having any form of anemia. Out of 33 anemic students, 70 % (n = 26) had mild anemia, 5 % (n = 7) had moderate anemia and none of the students found to be severely anemic. Among the socio-demographic characteristics, gender and monthly family income had a significant effect on anemia (p < 0.05). Regarding hygiene practices, handwashing with soap before the meal and after toileting, and regular basis nail cutting were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of anemia (p < 0.05). Regarding dietary habits, daily breakfast intake, frequent consumption (3 times/week) of fruits, green leafy vegetables and animal products (meat, fish, and egg) were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of anemia (p < 0.05).
 Conclusion: Proper health education to increase knowledge about anemia, benefits of healthy dietary habits and the importance of hygiene practice can be implemented among the students.

Changing trends of anaemia prevalence among female medical students in a metropolitan setting: Assessment through self-grading and haematological parameters.

Objective:To determine the trend of anaemia prevalence among female medical students (FMS) through self-grading along haematological parameters and its association with their nutritional indicators.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted at a public sector health university of Karachi among FMS from April to September 2016. After written informed consent, 216 FMS were assessed for height and weight, for nutrition habits by calculating minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) and anaemia status by self-administered validated self-grading anaemia assessment questionnaire (SGAAQ). The haematological parameters were examined in venous blood sample on Sysmex (XN-3000). The data was analysed using IBM SPSS software version 24. Association between anaemia and nutritional indicators was determined by Chi-square and considered significant when p < 0.05.Results:Anaemia prevalence was 31% with highest frequency among obese (56%) and 29% FMS achieved MDD-W. The mean SGAAQ score, Hb (g/dl), MCV (fl), MCH (pg) and Ret-He (pg) differed significantly (p = <0.001) between anaemic and non-anaemic students. The mean Hb (g/dl) level was significantly higher for FMS who scored MDD-W >5 (p= 0.04).Conclusion:Malnutrition and anaemia co-exist despite appropriate awareness of anaemia among FMS. It was associated with self-assessment of anaemia and BMI groups but not with dietary diversity in the present study.

Étude de l’anxiété-trait et l’anxiété-état chez les enfants anémiques : région de Chefchaouen au nord du Maroc

Anemia can contribute to the deterioration of quality of life and have a significant physical impact leading to an increase in morbidity, but its psychological impact remains underestimated and is not well clarified, especially in school-age children. Our objective was to assess the level of anxiety in a group of anemic children and compare it to a group of children with normal hemoglobin. Our population consisted of 170 students aged between 8 and 14 years old, including 51 anemic and 119 with normal hemoglobin. Anxiety is assessed using Spielberger's STAI anxiety inventory scale, according to its two concepts: state and trait. Our results show a median hemoglobin of 10,7 [9,9,9,10] in anemic students and 14,3 [2–13,13–15] in non-anemic students (P=0,000). The mean state and trait anxiety scores are respectively 31,88±7,25 and 34,82±6,84 in anemic students and 2,55±6,37 and 34,89±5,7 in not anemic, without significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, our study did not report high levels of anxiety in anemic children; the means are comparable to those found in clinical studies in children of similar age.

Implementation and effects of India's national school-based iron supplementation program

Reducing the rate of anemia is a primary public health concern in many developing countries. This paper studies the Indian government's school-based Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation program. We provide a descriptive analysis of program implementation patterns across 377 schools in the state of Odisha. We document that the more advantaged blocks had more consistent tablet distribution, and that distribution within the less advantaged blocks was less predictable, and plausibly random. We use this quasi-random variation to estimate the causal effect of the policy using a difference-in-differences strategy. The IFA program had no effect on hemoglobin levels at the mean, but there is a significantly larger effect for moderately anemic students in schools that were more recently distributing tablets, relative to schools that had run out of tablets. These results suggest that school-based supplementation has the potential to improve hemoglobin levels, but that breaks in supplementation – either due to inconsistent tablet distribution or the constraints of a school calendar – limit the long-term efficacy of school-based supplementation programs.

Prevalence and awareness of nutritional anemia among female medical students in Karad, Maharashtra, India: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction:Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of individuals affected by anemia is observed in nonpregnant women aged 15–49.99 years. Though nutritional anemia can affect any age group, female medical students form a vulnerable population due to their hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours while staying in hostel for majority of times. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of anemia among the apparently healthy female students studying at a health institute.Methods:A cross-sectional study is conducted among 300 female students studying at a health institute in western Maharashtra after their written informed consent. A structured questionnaire elicits their general information, the knowledge about signs and symptoms of anemia, and dietary habits. Basal metabolic index and hemoglobin using the spectroscopy method are estimated for each participant.Results:Anemia prevalence in our population is 86 (28.6%). Based upon the severity of anemia, about 54 (18%) has mild anemia and 32 (10.6%) has moderate anemia. No case of severe anemia is noted in our study sample.Conclusion:The findings of the study highlight that anemia can affect even medical female students who are a vulnerable group unexpectedly suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this study highlights the need for interventional programs at primary health-care systems and colleges for improvement in the nutritional status of anemic students to reduce its complications.

Prevalence and risk factors of iron-deficiency anemia in Saudi female medical students

Introduction: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is quite common in female adolescents and adults worldwide. Despite the higher prevalence of IDA, there is a paucity of research in finding its prevalence and potential causes in young Saudi female population. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible causes of IDA in young female medical students and search for risk factors in the studied group. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty female students from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University were selected by randomized sampling whose blood samples were taken to measure their hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels. According to the World Health Organization criteria, individuals with Hb 0.05) was found between IDA and the background, gynecological history, and dietary habits of the anemic participants. Conclusions: The higher prevalence rate of anemia among Saudi female medical students (38.3%) was similar to the earlier reports of the Gulf region. Considering the higher ratio of anemic students, iron supplements should be prescribed to the affected youngsters to improve their Hb level.

DOES KNOWLEDGE AND INCREASED AWARENESS AMONG OUR FEMALE POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVE THEIR HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS?

Objective: Anemia is frequent among young women including medical students that remain unnoticed. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anemia in women postgraduate (PG) medics.Methods: Hemoglobin (Hb) level of the participants was estimated and correlated with history.Results: Eligible women PG medics (n=100) with a mean±standard deviation (SD) age of 25.92±1.5 years and body mass index (BMI) of 21.51±2.97 were enrolled. Of 44 anemic students, 32 had moderate anemia and 21 (47.73%) belonged to the 3rd year postgraduation. Only 16 students were underweight, eight in anemic and non-anemic group each. None had any history of occult bleeding. Twenty-four (24.0%) students had taken anti-helminthic treatment within 6 months before enrollment. Mean Hb levels were 11.54±1.21 g/dL. There was a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between mean Hb level of the anemic students (Hb - 10.35 g/dL) and the non-anemic individuals (Hb 12.49 g/dL). There was no statistical significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the occurrence of anemia among vegetarians (mean±SD Hb 11.21±1.11 g/dL) and non-vegetarians (mean±SD Hb 11.61±1.23 g/dL). There was no statistical significance (p&gt;0.05) in Hb level/anemia and BMI, dietary habits, duration, and heavy flow during menstruation between non-anemic and anemic students.Conclusion: Anemia is still a concern in young women, and PG medical students are no exempt. Although none had severe form, anemia of moderate severity is prevalent among our PG students. Dietary habits did not influence or contribute to the maintenance of adequate Hb levels. Knowledge increased awareness and being self-sufficient did not contribute to maintain adequate Hb level.

HEMOGLOBIN STATUS OF FEMALE MEDICOS IN URBAN AREA AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACTObjectives: Estimating the hemoglobin (Hb) status in female medicos through prospective cross-sectional study and assessment of influencing ofcofactors were objectives.Methods: Women medicos who volunteered, consented and met selection criteria were enrolled. Hb level was estimated to diagnose anemia.Relationship with influencing factors was assessed statistically.Result: A total of 100 eligible students were enrolled. Mean age±standard deviation (SD) age of the participants’ was 20.9±3.1 years (17-25 years).Mean±SD Hb was 12.25±1.0189 g% (9.0-16.0 g%). 33 were anemic, and mild anemia (32%) was frequent. There was a history of worm infestation inthree students (3%), who were treated adequately. Nine were on iron supplements of which five were still anemic and were continuing the treatmentby the end of the study. 28 (84.84%) anemic students were not on any iron or hematinic treatment. There was no association between the anemiaand nature of diet, consumption of green leafy vegetables, consumption of coffee/tea after food, smoking/tobacco or alcohol consumption, mother’seducation, socioeconomic status, menstrual factors, and physical exercise. The prevalence of anemia was found to be higher in underweight andoverweight students in comparison to students with normal body mass index.Asymptomatic participants (n=78) outnumbered symptomatic ones(n=22), but without any statistical significance. Easy fatigability (14%), pallor (7%), breathlessness (6%), weakness (9%), and easy bruising (1%)were frequent complaints.Conclusion: Anemia is frequent among women medicos, often underdiagnosed, under-reported, many remaining asymptomatic. Negligence ofmedical students toward their anemic status despite the awareness of consequences of low Hb level is a serious cause of concern.Keywords: Awareness, Hemoglobin, Nutritional anemia, Women medical students.

Effectiveness of Poshan Modakam in Increasing HB % among Anaemic Students of, Selected. College of Nursing, Jagdalpur, C.G. (2016).

Effectiveness of Poshan Modakam in Increasing HB % among Anaemic Students of, Selected. College of Nursing, Jagdalpur, C.G. (2016).

Iron Deficiency and Schooling Attainment in Peru

Do nutritional deficiencies contribute to the intergenerational persistence of poverty by reducing the earnings potential of future generations? To address this question, we made available supplemental iron pills at a health center in rural Peru and encouraged adolescents to take them via media messages. School administrative data provide novel evidence that reducing iron deficiency results in a large and significant improvement in school performance and aspirations for anemic students. Our findings demonstrate that combining low-cost outreach efforts and local supplementation programs can be an affordable and effective method of reducing rates of adolescent iron deficiency anemia. (JEL I21, I23, I26, J24, J31, Q51, Q53)

Integration of Ayurvedic formulations with iron folic acid in the treatment of nutritional anaemia among school going adolescents of Dehradun District

Combating anaemia is a global public health challenge of the developing world. Nutritional anaemia is a serious health problem faced by Indian school children. An investigation was taken up to study the effect of non iron containing Ayurvedic preparation Sootshekhar Rasa (SR) plus Sitopaladi Churna (SC) along with iron and folic acid (IFA) for improving nutritional anaemia among adolescent school going students of Dehradun district in Northern India. The blinded, controlled randomized trial comprised of 820 adolescents anaemic students aged 11 - 18 years. The anaemic students were randomly divided into 4 groups, students of group I (control) received starch, group II, III, and IV students received daily dose of (SR 250 mg + SC 400 mg), IFA and (SR 250 mg + SC 400 mg) + IFA, respectively. All the students received treatment for 90days and were followed up for next 180days. At the end of follow-up (day 270), significant increase of haemoglobin (Hb) level from the base line was recorded in all treatment groups. The maximum gain in Hb concentration was noted in group IV (10.1 &#xb1; 0.6 g/L), which was significantly higher than any other group. There were 123 drop-outs; however, no major side effect of treatment was noted in any student. We conclude that daily dose of (SR 250 mg + SC 400 mg) along with IFA can produce sustainable improvement of nutritional anaemia in adolescent students.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in School and College Going Students of District Shaheed Benazirabad Sindh Province, Pakistan

The present study aimed to estimate the occurrence of Iron Deficiency anemia (IDA) in school and college going students (aged 11 - 18 years). Anemia is the most public health problem in school age children. It has a wide range of adverse results involving, poor cognitive performance, poor development of infants, preschool and school-aged children. Anemia also causes the impairment of physical capacity, work performance of adolescents and adults, reduction in immune competence and increased morbidity from infections in all age groups. Our study based on 1686 volunteers was randomly selected from different Government High schools and colleges. A Questionnaire was utilized for data collection. BMI was also calculated by dividing weight in kg by the square of height in meters. Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrite (Hct), Mean Corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell was examined using Sysmex kx-21N hemoglobin auto analyzer (Hedwin, 2008). The total percentage of anaemic students (43.1%) and non-anaemic (56.9%) were observed in district Shaheed Benazirabad. The mean Hb level of anaemic students (11.1 ± 4.94) was observed. In males (12.7%) and females (30.4%) anemic was observed. The prevalence of anemia high (16.2%) was observed in the age of 14 - 16 years. The majority of anemic patients (30.2%) belonged to low income group. Area wise prevalence, in rural areas 27.8% and urban areas 15.3% volunteers anaemic was observed. Taluka wise occurrence of anaemia in taluka Sakrand was (14.6%), in taluka Kazi Ahmed (15.0%), in taluka Daur (8.0%) and in taluka Nawabshah was (5.5%). Clinically signs and symptoms showed, pale skin 57.7% and weakness 42.3% were observed in school children.

Anemia among Secondary School Students in El-Kharga Oasis, New Valley, Egypt

Background: Anemia constitutes a problem of serious public health significance, given its impact on psychological and physical development, behavior and work performance. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of anemia, its extent and determinants among secondary school students in El-Kharga, and to identify the effects of anemia on students’ performance. Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional approach. It included 330 secondary school students allocated to different schools according to the number of secondary school students attending each school. A predesigned structured interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data from the students. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height), body mass index and laboratory investigations were done. School records were reviewed for the grades of the previous exams. Results: The prevalence of anemia among secondary school adolescents in El-Kharga was 51.8%. Infection with parasites, total energy calories, plant protein, total carbohydrate and iron from plant origin were significantly higher among anemic school students than among normal students. The logistic regression model showed that only those who were infected with parasites had a higher significant risk of anemia and plant protein had a protective effect compared to relevant categories. Anemic students had more than four and half times less scholastic achievements than the normal students. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among school adolescents in El-Kharga indicates a public health problem based on the WHO epidemiological criteria for diagnosis of anemia. Key words: Anemia, iron deficiency, prevalence, students, scholastic achievement

The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in a Saudi University female students

The study aims to determine the prevalence of anemia in apparently healthy university female students. This study was conducted in 2007–2008 at Taibah University and a total of 268 female students participated in this research. In order to assess iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, the venous blood samples were collected from consecutive female students at the medical center of Taibah University excluding those already on iron supplementation for iron-deficiency anemia. One hundred and seventy-one (64%) students were found to be anemic. The overall prevalence of mild (10–11g/dL), moderate (7–10g/dL), and severe (Hb <7g/dL) anemia was 45%, 49%, and 6%, respectively. Out of the anemic students, 81% showed microcytic (MCV <80fL) and 1.6% had macrocytic (MCV >96fL) variety. The results of this study warrant further evidence-based surveys on a larger scale to validate these findings and eventually set a stage to develop well-organized educational and nutritional programs to safeguard and improve the nation's health. The high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the present study might be related to life style of female students as well as to their dietary habits. It is recommended that female students never skip breakfast as it is essential for their cognitive functions and physical activities.