Adolescent with Unfeasible Body Mass Index: A Risk Factor for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common disease in developing countries. It is a major health problem in the general population particularly in infants, pregnant women, pre-adolescents and adolescents. Overweight and underweight are common nutrition disorders of adolescents in southwest Iran. IDA has been associated with behavioural disturbances, growth and puberty delay, impaired cognitive functions and decreased exercise tolerance. The Study of IDA and weight parameters among adolescents in southwest Iran may appear to be of significance. Thus, this study aims to assess the prevalence of IDA among adolescents and also intends to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on iron deficient groups. A total of five hundred adolescents (240 boys and 260 girls) were enrolled in the study. Three millilitres of blood was obtained from each participant. Cell Blood Count (CBC) and ferritin were measured for everyone. A reliable scale and a standing height measuring device were selected for determining of BMI. Out of them 23 (4.6%) cases had IDA. The prevalence of IDA was not significant by gender and age (P: 0.194 and P: 0.225); however, the peak incidence of IDA was thirteen years old. Out of the five hundred subjects 91 individuals (18.2%) had abnormal BMI. Subjects with abnormal BMI envisage more IDA than individuals with normal BMI (p: 0.001).Conclusively, the prevalence of IDA among adolescents is 4.6% in southwest Iran. Unfeasible BMI is a risk factor for IDA developing in adolescents’ period.