Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Health and Lifestyle Characteristics among Students of Al Marj High Institute: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a common hematologic and nutritional problem that may impair physical performance, cognition, productivity, and quality of life. Young adults and students can be vulnerable because of dietary inadequacy, chronic illness, menstrual blood loss, and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to describe anemia and selected health and lifestyle characteristics among students of Al Marj High Institute. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study included 50 students. The source dataset reported age, weight, hemoglobin concentration, anemia classification, chronic disease, marital status, and practice of sport. Anemia was defined in the source as hemoglobin <12 g/dL. Continuous variables were summarized using mean ± standard deviation, and categorical variables using frequencies and percentages. The manuscript was structured according to STROBE principles for observational studies (von Elm et al., 2007), with nutritional-reporting considerations informed by STROBE-nut (Lachat et al., 2016). Results: Mean age was 21.22 ± 1.69 years, mean weight was 61.60 ± 11.94 kg, and mean hemoglobin was 11.59 ± 1.43 g/dL. Nineteen students (38.0%) were classified as anemic and 31 (62.0%) as normal. Chronic disease was reported by 10 students (20.0%). The source figures showed that 82.0% were single and 18.0% married; 18.0% practiced sport and 82.0% did not. Conclusion:  In this sample of 50 students from Al Marj High Institute, 38% were classified as anemic using the source definition of Hb <12 g/dL. Mean hemoglobin was 11.59 ± 1.43 g/dL. Chronic disease was reported by 20%, while the source figures showed low participation in sport. The findings identify anemia as an important issue within the sampled group