Title: Assessment of the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Primary School Pupils in the Surman and Al Mutrad Regions, North-Western Libya
Authors: Azab Elsayed Azab
Rabei Alwan Yahya
Fatima Abulqasim Mohamed Al-Qamoudi
Karema El M Shkal
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 43-54
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a significant public health concern among school-aged children, particularly in developing regions, with potential consequences for growth, cognitive development, and academic performance. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among primary school pupils in the Surman and Al Mutrad regions, and to examine its association with demographic factors (gender, age, place of residence) and dietary habits (vegetable consumption, meat consumption, tea drinking). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 206 primary school students. Socio-demographic data and dietary habits were collected using a structured questionnaire. Hematological parameters, including hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square tests were employed, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 19.4% (40 out of 206 students). Anemic students exhibited significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, ferritin, and serum iron, alongside significantly higher TIBC and UIBC compared to non-anemic students (p < 0.001 for all), confirming an iron deficiency profile. No significant associations were found between anemia and gender (p = 0.914), age group (p = 0.359), or region (Surman vs. Al Mutrad, p = 0.999). However, theplace of living showed a significant association, with rural students demonstrating a higher prevalence of anemiathan urban students (p = 0.009). Regarding dietary factors, vegetable consumption was not significantly associated with anemia (p = 0.397), whereas meat consumption (p = 0.006) and tea drinking (p = 0.025) were significantly associated with higher anemia rates. Among anemic students, no significant differences were observed in hematological parameters based on gender, age, or urban/rural residence. However, significant differences emerged between the two regions in iron stores: anemic students from Surman had significantly lower serum ferritin (p = 0.015) and serum iron (p = 0.038) compared to those from Al Mutrad, indicating more severe iron depletion. Anemia severity (mild vs. moderate) was not significantly associated with any demographic or dietary factors. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is moderately prevalent among primary school pupils in the Surman and Al Mutrad regions. The findings highlight that rural residence, infrequent meat consumption, and tea drinking are key risk factors associated with a higher prevalence of anemia. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions, particularly in rural areas, and health education programs promoting dietary diversity and awareness of inhibitors of iron absorption, such as tea, to mitigate the burden of anemia in this population.