An Examination of Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Libyan Workers and Their Families.

INTRODUCTION

Iron deficiency is primarily the cause of anemia, a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and its risk factors in working men and women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2023. The study included employees of the Biotechnology Research Center in Tripoli, Libya, and their family members. The sample consisted of 67 male and 134 female participants aged 12-74 years. Each participant completed a questionnaire for sociodemographic data. Two blood samples were collected from each participant to analyze the iron profile and complete blood count. All the participants signed an informed consent form before enrollment. IDA was defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Lifestyle items that might be associated with iron deficiency were also investigated. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a comparison of groups was made with an independent t-test, risk ratios, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The mean age ± standard deviation of the study sample was 38.35 ± 13.97 years; 33% of the participants were men. The overall prevalence of IDA was 34% (95% CI, 32.3-35.6). Moreover, IDA prevalence was higher in women (44.78%; 95% CI, 43.1-45.3) than in men (13.43%; 95% CI, 12.2-14.0) (p< 0.001). There was a corresponding significant difference between the male and female participants in serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (p< 0.001). Age, marital status, residence, occupational status, dietary habits, and family history of IDA were the main risk factors (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of IDA was moderate and substantial among men (13.43%). It was particularly high among working women (44.78%). There were significant associations between IDA and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including age, marital status, residence, occupational status, dietary habits, and family history of IDA.