Iron deficiency anemia. A study of risk factors
Al-Quaiz, J.M.
Saudi Medical Journal 22(6): 490-496
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 11426238 Document Number: 531067
Objective: To determine the risk factors for iron deficiency anemia among Saudi women of childbearing age. Methods: This is a case control study conducted at the primary health care clinics of King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh over a 6-month period. Inclusion criteria included women of childbearing age and hemoglobin level <120 g/l. Iron deficiency anemia was defined as having iron deficiency and low hemoglobin level <120 g/l. Controls had hemoglobin level >120 g/l and were matched with the cases for socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Eighty-seven patients and 203 controls were enrolled in the study. Low frequency of eating meat, vegetables or drinking juices right with vitamin C increased the risk of having iron deficiency anemia by 2-4 fold (odds ratio=2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.20-3.54), (odds ratio=2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.65-4.98) and (odds ratio=3.75, confidence interval 2.20-6.42). Menstrual period duration of gtoreq8 days, history of clots or flooding increased the odds of having iron deficiency anemia by 3-6 fold. The odds of being iron deficient in patients on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antacid were 6-9 fold. Conclusion: Important risk factors for iron deficiency anemia among Saudi women of childbearing age are dietary habits, menorrhagia and history of ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antacids.