Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards iron deficiency anemia among paramedical college staff and students in a Saudi university: an online cross-sectional survey.

backgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) can cause cognitive impairment, fatigue, weakened immunity, and pregnancy complications. It results from poor diet, iron malabsorption, blood loss, or increased demands. Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and dietary behaviors, particularly among those in the medical field, is essential for promoting preventive strategies against IDA.

objectivesThis study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards IDA among paramedical college staff and students in a Saudi University.

methodsThis online cross-sectional survey explored 204 respondents (60 staff and 144 students) from a paramedical college in a Saudi university--King Saud University, using non-probability sampling method. Self-administered, English and pre-tested questionnaire form was used for the data collection via active emails. It included sections on respondent's demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards IDA. Respondents submitted completed forms within two weeks, and responses were screened based on predefined eligibility criteria. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic variables and IDA-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

resultsOf 204 respondents (60 staff, 144 students), 35% of staff and 22% of students reported being diagnosed with IDA in the past 2-3 years' prior the survey, with significantly higher prevalence among females (n = 13,41%) than male (n = 8,29%). Among students, a significant association between gender and IDA occurance was observed (p = 0.01). While 98% of staff and 96% of students showed adequate knowledge of IDA, attitudes were generally favorable. However, most with prior IDA did not adopt special diets or take supplements. Physician consultations were reported by 50% of staff and 33% of students, and dietician visits by 10% and 22%, respectively, with a significant gender-based difference among students (p = 0.02). Dietary practices towards IDA were suboptimal. Only 13% of staff and 10% of students followed a special diet, and less than one-third used iron supplements. High intake of tea/coffee and low consumption of iron-rich foods were common in both groups.

conclusionsDespite the adequate knowledge and the favorable attitudes, both staff and students demonstrated suboptimal dietary behavior to prevent IDA. A significant gender-based difference in IDA prevalence was found among students, suggesting that awareness alone may not ensure consistent preventive behaviors across genders. These findings highlight modifiable gaps that merit further research to guide educational initiatives aimed at reducing IDA risk in academic populations.