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FREQUENCY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AND Β THALASSEMIA TRAIT IN FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS AT UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY IN THE MAKKAH REGION

Amal Zaghloul, Niveen Saudy, Nada Bajuaifer, Mohammad S.Aldosari, Amjad H Sunqurah, Dania R Jei, Khadijah S Banjar , Majd M Mryani, Rawabi D Majrashi , Ruqayyah S Kamal, Shifaa M Alsharif ,Wedyan H Almosa

Background: iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait (βTT) are the main causes of microcytic hypochromic anemia. Objectives: was to detect the frequency of IDA & βTT among female medical student at Umm Al Qura university (UQU) and to determine the factors associated with IDA in this population. Methods: This study included 214 female students. They were from different medical colleges at UQU. All were subjected to A multiple questionnaires to determine if there was a risk factor for IDA or a positive family history of βTT or major. Measurement of serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity, hemoglobin A2 and complete blood count. Results. 177 (82.7%) were normal and 37 (17.29%) were anemic. Out of the 37 anemics, 33(15.42%) were IDA, 2(0.93%) were βTT and 2 (0.93%) were combined IDA and βTT. In the group of iron deficiency anemia, 45.7% taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 20% had heavy menses,11.4% had gastritis , 2.9% had parasitic infestation, 0% had restriction of diet and 0% had piles. There was a significant association with gastritis when compared to the non anemic group <0.05. There was significant decrease in red cell counts , serum iron and HbA2 levels in those with IDA and βTT than βTT cases. Conclusion: 17.3% of our students are anemic. 15.42% are IDA and 1.9 are βTT (0.93% are βTT and 0.93 % are combined IDA and βTT). IDA is one of the co-existing conditions in βTT. Further studies are needed to clarify this point. Keywords: anemia, IDA, βTT

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