Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Nursing Students Working in the Internal Medicine Clinic

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Date

2023

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Cureus

Access Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among nursing students working in the internal medicine clinic of our hospital. Methods The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. The study population comprised nursing students working in the internal medicine clinic of our hospital from January 1, 2016, through June 1, 2016. Data concerning the participants' anamnesis, physical examination findings, and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. Blood samples were taken. The participants' blood parameters were evaluated for anemia. Results A total of 99 nursing students, 43 (43.4%) male and 56 (56.6%) female, were included in the study. The mean age was 17.4 +/- 0.58 years for the male student group and 17.64 +/- 0.73 years for the female student group. We detected ID in 22.2% of the nursing students, anemia in 8%, and IDA in 4%. ID was present in 22 (39.3%) of the female students. There was a significant difference between the male and female student groups in terms of the prevalence of ID (p < 0.001). The mean hemoglobin levels of the male and female student groups were 15.85 +/- 1.10 g/dL and 12.90 +/- 1.05 g/dL, respectively. Conclusion We determined that the number of students with ID was higher than the number of students with IDA. Once ID is diagnosed, it may be necessary to take precautions and treat it according to the severity of the deficiency. It is extremely important to educate nursing students and raise their awareness about ID and IDA.

Description

Keywords

Nursing Student, Deficiency, Iron, Internal Medicine, Anemia

Journal or Series

The Cureus Journal of Medical Science

WoS Q Value

N/A

Scopus Q Value

Volume

15

Issue

12

Citation