مشروع البحث: Iron Deficiency Anemia and Its Association with Nutritional Patterns Among Children in the Gharyan Region, Libya
| dc.contributor.advisor | عمر علي سعيد مفتاح | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-14T09:28:45Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-14T09:28:45Z | |
| dc.description | Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major public health concern, especially in children, due to its negative impact on physical and cognitive development. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between food patterns and iron deficiency anemia in children aged 2 to 13 years in Libya's Gharyan region. This study was an analytical observational case-control study, with 140 anemic children (cases) and 62 healthy children (controls) recruited from the local hospital and clinics. Data were obtained using questionnaires that assessed food habits and sociodemographic characteristics of cases and controls; anthropometric measures were taken; and biochemical analyses, such as complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin levels, were performed. The results revealed a high prevalence of underweight children (73.8%), with the case group exhibiting significantly lower BMI (p = 0.005) and blood parameters, including hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and hematocrit (HCT) (p < 0.001). Dietary analysis showed that anemic children consumed fewer iron-rich foods, such as red meat (33.7% never consumed), poultry (16.3% never consumed), fish (46.0% never consumed), legumes (51.5% never consumed), and leafy vegetables (29.2% never consumed) (p < 0.001). In contrast, their intake of processed and sugary foods was significantly higher, including sweets (45.5% frequently consumed) (p < 0.001), soft drinks (40.6% frequently consumed) (p < 0.001), and fast food (17.8% frequently consumed) (p = 0.002). Additionally, tea consumption with meals, which inhibits iron absorption, was more common in the case group (33.7%) (p = 0.021). Vitamin C–rich foods, which enhance iron absorption, were also consumed less frequently by anemic children (32.2% did not consume) (p < 0.001). Demographic factors such as age, father’s occupation, and family income level were associated with anemia, with younger children (2–5 years) and those from lower-income families being more affected. However, these factors did not differ significantly between cases and controls, suggesting that dietary habits play a more direct role in the prevalence of IDA. Finally, in conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of poor dietary intake in the development of iron deficiency anemia among children in Gharyan. The findings highlight the importance of focused nutritional interventions, such as encouraging iron-rich diets, lowering processed food intake, and raising awareness about dietary behaviors that improve iron absorption. Early screening and public health programs are critical for addressing this widespread health concern and improving the general well-being of children in the community. Keywords: Iron Deficiency Anemia, Dietary Patterns, Children, Serum Ferritin, Iron-Rich Foods, Gharyan, Libya. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major public health concern, especially in children, due to its negative impact on physical and cognitive development. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between food patterns and iron deficiency anemia in children aged 2 to 13 years in Libya's Gharyan region. This study was an analytical observational case-control study, with 140 anemic children (cases) and 62 healthy children (controls) recruited from the local hospital and clinics. Data were obtained using questionnaires that assessed food habits and sociodemographic characteristics of cases and controls; anthropometric measures were taken; and biochemical analyses, such as complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin levels, were performed. The results revealed a high prevalence of underweight children (73.8%), with the case group exhibiting significantly lower BMI (p = 0.005) and blood parameters, including hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and hematocrit (HCT) (p < 0.001). Dietary analysis showed that anemic children consumed fewer iron-rich foods, such as red meat (33.7% never consumed), poultry (16.3% never consumed), fish (46.0% never consumed), legumes (51.5% never consumed), and leafy vegetables (29.2% never consumed) (p < 0.001). In contrast, their intake of processed and sugary foods was significantly higher, including sweets (45.5% frequently consumed) (p < 0.001), soft drinks (40.6% frequently consumed) (p < 0.001), and fast food (17.8% frequently consumed) (p = 0.002). Additionally, tea consumption with meals, which inhibits iron absorption, was more common in the case group (33.7%) (p = 0.021). Vitamin C–rich foods, which enhance iron absorption, were also consumed less frequently by anemic children (32.2% did not consume) (p < 0.001). Demographic factors such as age, father’s occupation, and family income level were associated with anemia, with younger children (2–5 years) and those from lower-income families being more affected. However, these factors did not differ significantly between cases and controls, suggesting that dietary habits play a more direct role in the prevalence of IDA. Finally, in conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of poor dietary intake in the development of iron deficiency anemia among children in Gharyan. The findings highlight the importance of focused nutritional interventions, such as encouraging iron-rich diets, lowering processed food intake, and raising awareness about dietary behaviors that improve iron absorption. Early screening and public health programs are critical for addressing this widespread health concern and improving the general well-being of children in the community. Keywords: Iron Deficiency Anemia, Dietary Patterns, Children, Serum Ferritin, Iron-Rich Foods, Gharyan, Libya. | |
| dc.identifier | 26-1 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.academy.edu.ly/handle/123456789/2068 | |
| dc.subject | علوم حياة | |
| dc.title | Iron Deficiency Anemia and Its Association with Nutritional Patterns Among Children in the Gharyan Region, Libya | |
| dspace.entity.type | Project | |
| project.endDate | 2025 | |
| project.funder.name | علوم اساسية | |
| project.investigator | إيمان سعد محمد الشيباني | |
| project.startDate | 2024 |