Abstract
Background: iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait (beta TT) are the main causes of microcytic hypochromic anemia. Objectives: was to detect the frequency of IDA & beta TT 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 beta TT 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 beta TT and 2 (0.93%) were combined IDA and beta TT. 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 beta TT than beta TT cases. Conclusion: 17.3% of our students are anemic. 15.42% are IDA and 1.9 are beta TT (0.93% are beta TT and 0.93 % are combined IDA and beta TT). IDA is one of the co-existing conditions in beta TT. Further studies are needed to clarify this point.