Prevalence of iron deficiency with or without anemia among medical staff in Tishreen University Hospital
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency without anemia (IDWA), the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide, affects young women of reproductive age. There are no evidence-based recommendations to screen for iron deficiency in non-anemic patients, even though symptoms may be present.
Aim: In this study, we aim to explore the prevalence of iron deficiency, with and without anemia, among medical staff females at Tishreen University Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This was an observational descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria during the period between July 2019 and July 2020. Three hundred eighty medical staff females doctors and nurses) working at Tishreen University Hospital between the ages of 20 and 50 years were randomly sampled. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC) values and serum ferritin determination. The subjects were classified as having IDWA (hemoglobin (Hb) ≥ 12 g/dL and serum ferritin<15 μg/mL), having iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (Hb <12 g/dL and serum ferritin < 15 μg/mL), or having a normal iron status (Hb≥12 g/dL and serum ferritin ≥ 15 μg/mL).
Questionnaires were completed in order to collect demographics, medical history, and clinical information of the participants.
Results: The prevalence of overall iron deficiency was 43.2%. IDWA was found in 25.3% and 17.9% had iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency without anemia significantly associated with younger ages (p = 0.001).
Pregnancy and number of parity were positively correlated with the presence of iron deficiency state. Neither symptoms of anemia, nor the menstrual history correlated with the presence of iron deficiency.
Conclusion: Iron deficiency with and without anemia is a very common and condition in medical staff females’ population. Frequently asymptomatic Primary care providers must have periodic screening for iron deficiency whether associated with anemia or not.
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