Evaluation and Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adults in KSA: A Systematic Review

Mohammed khalid Alnahhas; Rahaf Abdullah Algarni; Fares Abed Althebaiti; Yara Salah Menshawi; Reem Ahmed Bana; Mayada Saleh Altwerqe; Lujein Fareed Idris; Abdullah Saeed Alzahrani; Abdulrhman Mahmoud Alhashme; Yezeid Faisal Almohsen; Fatimah Zulfiquar Ahmed; Joanah Khaled Alsafi; Afnan Ahmed Jarwali; Sultan Salem Almohammadi; Salman Ali Alqahtani

doi:10.63278/10.63278/mme.v31.1

Authors

Mohammed khalid Alnahhas Hematology consultant, Alnoor specialist hospital Makkah, KSA
Rahaf Abdullah Algarni Senior Registrar, Internal medicine, Jeddah, KSA
Fares Abed Althebaiti Registrar, Pediatric, Taif children hospital, Taif, KSA
Yara Salah Menshawi Internal medicine, Medical Residents, King Fahad general hospital, Jeddah, KSA
Reem Ahmed Bana Service Doctor, Family medicine, King fahad general hospital, Jeddah, KSA
Mayada Saleh Altwerqe Service Doctor, Family medicine, King fahad general hospital, Jeddah, KSA
Lujein Fareed Idris Internal medicine Resident, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah, KSA
Abdullah Saeed Alzahrani Internal medicine Resident, King Fahad Hospital, Albaha, KSA
Abdulrhman Mahmoud Alhashme Service Doctor, Gastroenterology, KSMC, Riyadh, KSA
Yezeid Faisal Almohsen Medical intern, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, KSA
Fatimah Zulfiquar Ahmed Medical intern, Ibn Sina National College for medical studies, Jeddah, KSA
Joanah Khaled Alsafi Medical intern, Ibn Sina National College for medical studies, Jeddah, KSA
Afnan Ahmed Jarwali Medical intern, Ibn Sina National College for medical studies, Jeddah, KSA
Sultan Salem Almohammadi Pharmacist, prince mohammad bin abdulaziz hospital, Riyadh, KSA
Salman Ali Alqahtani Specialist Nursing, Sarat Abidah Hospital, Aseer, KSA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63278/10.63278/mme.v31.1

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant public health concern in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This systematic review aimed to evaluate strategies for diagnosing and managing IDA among adults in KSA.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases and grey literature sources to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses reporting on the evaluation or management of IDA among adults in KSA. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results: The initial search yielded 207 studies, with 42 full-text articles reviewed. Only three studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. AlSulayyim et al. revealed wide variability in pediatric IDA management practices among physicians in Riyadh, emphasizing the need for intervention programs and national guidelines. AlAyoubi et al. found gender disparities in anemia prevalence among young adults in Riyadh, with females at higher risk. Owaidah et al. conducted a national epidemiological survey highlighting the prevalence of ID and IDA among young university students in Saudi Arabia, with a particular burden observed among females.

Conclusion: The reviewed studies underscored the complexity of IDA in KSA, with variability in clinical practices, gender disparities, and nutritional deficiencies playing significant roles. Multifaceted interventions, including standardized management guidelines and gender-specific strategies, are necessary to address the burden of IDA effectively in the Kingdom. Further research is needed to explore additional factors contributing to IDA and evaluate the long-term efficacy of interventions in this population.

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