FREQUENCY OF IRON DEFICIENCY WITHOUT ANEMIA IN FEMALES OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide and frequently affects females of reproductive age due to menstrual losses, pregnancy, and increased nutritional demands.

Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency without anemia and identify associated demographic, reproductive, and clinical risk factors among females of reproductive age.

Methodology: This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study included 300 females aged 16–45 years who presented to Unit I, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal, from July 2025 to October 2025. Demographic, obstetric, and clinical data were recorded using a structured proforma. Serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels were measured. Iron deficiency without anemia was defined as serum ferritin <16 µg/dL with hemoglobin >12 g/dL in non-pregnant and >11 g/dL in pregnant females. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: Iron deficiency without anemia was identified in 87 participants (29%). Affected females were younger (27.6 ± 6.5 vs 30.7 ± 7.4 years) with lower BMI (23.6 ± 3.8 vs 25.4 ± 4.2 kg/m²). Higher parity (2.6 ± 1.8 vs 1.9 ± 1.5) and pregnancy (41.4% vs 26.3%) were significantly associated. Smoking (24.1%) and low socioeconomic status (55.2%) were more common among deficient females. Serum ferritin was markedly reduced (11.8 ± 2.6 vs 33.9 ± 9.4 µg/dL) despite normal hemoglobin levels.

Conclusion: Iron deficiency without anemia is common among females of reproductive age and is strongly associated with younger age, multiparity, pregnancy, smoking, and socioeconomic disadvantage.