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

## TL;DR

This study found that iron-deficiency anemia is more common in working women than men in Libya, with significant links to lifestyle and demographic factors.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into IDA prevalence and risk factors among working populations in Libya.

## Key findings

- The overall IDA prevalence was 34%, with a significantly higher rate in women (44.78%) than men (13.43%).
- Key risk factors for IDA included age, marital status, residence, occupation, diet, and family history.
- Serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity levels differed significantly between men and women.

## Abstract

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.