Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background: Anemia defined as a decrease in the total amount of hemoglobin (hemoglobin level < 12 g/dL), or the number of red blood cells. Aim: the study was conducted to determine the relation between body mass index and iron deficiency anemia in adolescent females. Methods: Cross section study, this study was carried out upon sixty adolescent females, their ages ranged from 17 to 19 years old. They were divided into three equal groups in number (A, B and C) according to body mass index. Group A (underweight): 20 females their BMI < 18.5 kg/m², group B (normal weight): 20 females their BMI ranged from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m² and group C (overweight): 20 females their BMI ranged from 25-29.9 kg/m². Analysis of hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels (SF) were measured for all females in all groups (A, B and C) by using Cyanmethemoglobin method and Roche/Hitachi Cobas C System. Results: The percentage of anemic subjects with Hb less than 12 g/dL was (45%), (30) and (20%) in groups (A, B and C) respectively with a non-statistically significant relation between BMI and the Hb deficiency category with P-value = 0. 231. As regarding to ferritin level, there was a statistically significant positive correlation with BMI (P-value = 0.015). Conclusion: In adolescent females there is no definite relationship between BMI and Hb level but there is positive correlation between BMI and serum ferritin level with higher prevalence of iron deficiency is among underweight adolescent females

Issued also as CD