Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is prevalent in young women and iron deficiency is one of the leading causes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia in high school girls of Bandar Abbas.

Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 high school girls were taken up for study after they gave a written consent. Sampling was randomized. The concentration of hemoglobin(HB),hematocrit(HCT),serum iron(SI),serum ferritin(SF) and total iron bonding concentration(TIBC)were measured to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia . Iron deficiency anemia defined as low HB (HB<12g/DLit) plus iron deficiency anemia (SF<12μg/lit). Data were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results:  Forty one subjects (20/5%) had HB<12g/DLit and 28 (14%) had HCT<36%. SF<12μg/Lit, SI<50μg/DLit, and TIBC> 400μg/DLit were found in 20(46/5%), 37(86%), and 29 (67/4%) of subjects, respectively.

Conclusion: According to the results, it is recommended to treat iron deficiency anemia with adequate dietary intake and oral iron supplementation in the study population