Awareness and Knowledge on Iron Deficiency Anemia and Associated Factors among College Students Attending Universities in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Anemia is a public health concern affecting many adolescents across the world. Since there are only a limited number of studies about anemia among college students despite its increasing prevalence among them, this study aims to describe the level of knowledge and awareness of university students in Metro Manila, Philippines on iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A 5-part questionnaire that focuses on the socio-demographic profile, medical history, lifestyle practices, and knowledge and awareness on IDA was distributed electronically to college students who are currently enrolled in universities in Metro Manila and measures of central tendency were applied in the analysis of data gathered from the accomplished survey forms. As the scores of both groups in most questions about anemia are adjacent to each other, it can be concluded that anemic and non-anemic college students in Metro Manila are knowledgeable and aware of the risk factors, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of IDA. The results of the study also show that there is no noteworthy difference in the level of knowledge and awareness between anemic and non-anemic students. For future studies, it is recommended to have a larger sampling population, utilize a different sampling method, and employ correlational studies in order to fully characterize the target population.