Epidemiological Study of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Youth Female Athletes in Kuwait

Background The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is likely to be higher in athletic populations and groups, especially in younger female athletes, than in healthy sedentary individuals. Objective: to determine the magnitude of IDA among female athletes and identify correlated different dietary habits. Method: Across sectional study was carried out. The sample included 150 female players from the female clubs in Kuwait where almost all types of sports activity are practiced at the level of national competition. Data collection tools included structured assisted questionnaire with laboratory investigations. Results: 55% of anemic group were non-Kuwaiti, with a statistically significant difference. There was a statistically significant difference between the anemic, iron deficient and normal groups regarding the marital status, occupation, dietary pattern and habits as intake of tea and soft drinks. There were highly statistical significant differences between the three studied groups regarding mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and serum ferritin. Logistic regression analysis reveals that increased number of soft drinks and tea drinks per day is significantly associated with high probability of having anemia. Women with increased consumption of soft drinks and tea per day are more than two times at higher risk of anemia (OR=2.34 and 2.17 respectively). On the other hand, Kuwaiti nationality, increased duration of practicing sport and increased frequency of eating breakfast in the last month subjects are significantly associated with lower probability of having anemia (OR=0.14, 0.74 and 0.17 respectively). Conclusion: More attention should be directed to athletic females with IDA.